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Choosing a tree should be a well-informed planned decision.
Providing the proper tree for your landscape can provide years of enjoyment
from aesthetic benefits, functional benefits, and wildlife benefits as well.
On the other hand, if you choose the inappropriate species for your site,
you could create some maintenance nightmares and can continue that way for
the lifetime of that tree.
So make sure you choose the right tree for the right place.
Some considerations for tree placements include planning for mature growth.
Look to see how close the tree will be to nearby structures as it matures in 10 to
20 years.
Be sure to check for utilities nearby.
Branches growing into power lines can be deadly.
>> [SOUND] >> Be careful when planting near a street
or intersection.
As a tree develops, it could block the line of sight for passing cars or
pedestrians trying to cross the street.
Trees help make homes more energy efficient by creating a cooling effect
during the hot summer months,
or by allowing passive solar gain during the cold winter months.
A good rule of thumb is to plant the tree at least 20 feet from the house.
Now, for larger shade trees,
you may want to plant as far as 40 feet from the house to ensure room for growth.
Before selecting a tree, it's really a good idea to get a soil test for
your site.
Some trees, such as oaks, require an acidic soil and
they can be chlorotic or yellow when the pH is too high.
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Be sure to choose your trees from a reputable source.
You get what you pay for also applies to trees as well.
Go to a dedicated landscape nursery to be sure
you get plants that have been maintained and grown well, so
they get off to a good start whenever you purchase and plant them.
Okay, now that we have our place, let's choose our tree.
Native trees are a good choice, but they're not the only choice.
Sometimes, cultivated species are equally suited to a landscape and
actually better for the urban environment.
Be sure to avoid invasive plants that can escape the landscape and
harm nearby ecosystems.
These are plants such as Callery pear, and Norway maple.
When planting a tree, remember the goal is to maximize the benefits that trees
provide and minimize the inputs needed for a sustainable tree planting.
Select tress with good branching structure and free from any defects or pests.
Good branch structure creates a healthy, stable,
mature tree which will prevent failure from splitting in wind and storms.
Is the tree you would like suitable for the sun, or more for shade?
This is gonna dictate how it survives extreme conditions in summer
with sun and drought.
Some trees just don't like full sun and prefer at least afternoon shade.
Or they may have a higher water requirement such as river birch trees.
And they wouldn't thrive well in a dry front lawn.
Finally, be sure the tree provides you with the characteristics you desire, such
as, flowering, fall color, winter interest with bark, and even evergreen needles.
Once you've selected the best tree for your situation,
now it's time to plant the tree.
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All right, now let's go plant our tree.
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