The choice of trees in nurseries is quite large. There is a tree for all kinds of tastes and lands. As your tree will be king on your property for many years to come, it is essential to choose wisely so that it meets your needs and expectations rather than cause you worry. Falling in love is certainly not the only criterion when it comes to choosing a tree. Your love affair can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t take the time to know each other before moving in together. While it’s easy to move a less-functioning perennial to a new spot in the garden, it’s much more difficult when it comes to trees, so you might as well start off on a solid footing.
Small tree will grow
The first criterion to consider is the size of the tree at maturity. When you plant it, you’ll be eager for it to grow… until you wish it stops growing because you hadn’t taken into account that it would take up so much space on your land. It is quite hard to stop a tree’s growth, unless you prune it severely, which is not very good for it. Talk with specialists at the garden center, read the labels, gather information to find out the real size that can have this tree essence. There is a perfect tree for your needs, that is certain. You only need to take some time to choose what actually fits your needs.
The needs of the cause
Another question will influence your tree choice : why do you want to add another tree to your landscaping? If you wish to create shade, or build a screen between your house and the neighbour’s, you will need a tree that has dense foliage that can act like a fence or a parasol. If it is the decorative aspect that matters most, chances are that the species that flower or burn in the fall (read our article about it) are a more judicious choice. Start by defining your needs, the best choices will take care of themselves.
The environment
Soil type, number of hours of sunlight, proximity to power lines, presence of a swimming pool, proximity with the neighbours, distance from foundations, etc. These are all criterias that matter in your choice of tree to plant. Even if the tree roots cannot really break through a foundation in perfect condition, a distance of at least 5 metres from your house is required to allow the tree to grow to its full potential without limitation or harm to your home. The presence of electrical wires is an important factor, since they must always be kept clear so as not to interfere with their proper functioning, which will require frequent pruning by recognized professionals – never venture near electrical wires, the danger is great. You also need to think about wind, snow and the hardiness zone. And don’t overlook the dead leaves that will end up in your pool or your neighbour’s. Yes, your tree is on your property, but if it has an impact on other people’s daily lives, through its branches and leaves encroaching on your neighbour’s property, it’s an element that needs to be taken into account for good neighbourliness. And don’t forget to find out about the different diseases and insects that affect your chosen species. Some are more prone to attacks than others, which could have an effect on the health of your tree. Protect your investment by making the right choice.
Trees are precious allies for the environment. They are excellent air purifiers, they add structure and beauty everywhere they are and without them, our cities’ temperature would be way higher. Planting trees is the only known way to fight against climate change. Play your part in protecting the planet by planting the right tree in the right space.
