Deciding which trees and shrubs to plant can be an overwhelming task.
There are thousands of options to choose from when visiting your local garden center or when consulting a landscape contractor.
We have 12 years experience in doing just that.
We help clients make their dream outdoor spaces come alive.
There is no perfect tree, only the perfect tree for you.
Take your time when choosing a tree for your space and learn everything you can about it.
Trees are a big part of your outdoor space.
Trees get big and live for a long time and can be extremely costly to remove or replace if put in the wrong spot.
This article is just the first step in making sure you pick the right tree for your space.
Get to know your tree before you make a final decision.
Do online research as well as consult your local nursery or landscape professional for advice for specific trees in your area.
Some good questions to ask as you search for the "perfect" tree are: How Fast does it grow? How tall and wide will it get? Will it grow in your climate area? Is the tree suited to your yard (Wet area, Soil conditions, Shade/sun availability) Does the tree you've chosen have any common problems with that species? Will the tree require pruning to keep it looking the way you picture it? After you find out the required information for a few different species of trees apply that information to your outdoor space.
Pull out the old measuring tape and size up your area and make note of any obstacles above our around your yard.
Here are some things not to do at home when planting your tree.
Do not plant to close to a building or structure: Even a small tree will need space to grow.
Plant trees at least 10 feet away from the side of a building larger ones should be placed even further.
This is where your research comes in! The problem with a tree growing to close is that the building impares it's natural shape and makes your home look overgrown and awkward.
How Big do you want it to be? Some trees get huge! Choose a tree that wont overwhelm your home or provide shade for your entire yard.
Grass and your other plants require some sunlight to grow so be careful in choosing a tree that works with the rest of your outdoor space.
Watch what's overhead: Even if you are meticulous in your gardening and pruning be careful about placing a large tree under power lines or slight overhangs.
Life happens and when out of control it can be dangerous to prune a tree when in close proximity to these objects.
Is the tree messy? It is a common mistake to plant a great looking tree only to realize that the tree produces a mess all over your yard, deck or car.
These messes produce more work for you and can be a big waste of time and money.
How deep are the roots? Planting a tree with shallow roots close to paving or stonework can have a horrific impact in the long run.
Over time the roots can cause the pavement or stone to buckle and raise some of your patio stone.
By the time the buckling happens the tree may be fully developed and be very costly to fix the damage and replace the tree.
As you can see choosing a tree is no walk in the park and requires thought and commitment.
Trees can get big and lets face it live for a long time so be careful and choose a tree that lives with you in your space.