5 Tips to Landscape with Trees

Trees are a beautiful and affordable way to add color, texture, and life to your yard. With so many options to choose from, finding the right tree can become overwhelming. With some careful planning, the right tree in the right place can not only make your yard standout, but add environmental and economic benefits to your neighborhood and overall community.

Here are 5 tips to help you landscape your yard with trees in a beautiful and purposeful way.

Choose your Site

The space(s) where you plant will help determine the type of tree you plant. Small trees belong in small places. But before planting, consider how big your tree will reach at maturity and whether the site can accommodate the tree as it grows. In addition to size, look at how close it will be to surrounding structures, you don’t want to plant a tree that will grow into power lines or the side of your house.

Specify the Purpose for Planting

Determining the reason for planting will allow you to plan better and narrow down your tree selection. Whether you’re planting for shade, beauty, privacy, or food, it’s important to think about why you’re planting. Evergreen trees provide great privacy and greenery year-round, but a giant shade tree planted on the south or west side of your house can help lower energy bills. No matter what the reason, careful planning beforehand can save you a headache down the road.   

Choose your Trees

Once you know how much space you have, it will help narrow down your selection. Remember to choose a tree suitable for your hardiness zone, the tree wizard is a great starting point to find trees that will thrive in your region. Other things to take into consideration when choosing a tree is how much sun and soil moisture it will require. The planting site may also affect these factors.  

Read Top 10 Flowering Trees

Design your Landscape

Diversity is key when it comes to planting, planting the one species of trees throughout could lead to trouble if the tree become infected with pests or disease. Mixing trees and shrubs is also a great way to add texture and depth to your yard. Once you’ve decided on your planting site and the purpose for planting, you can have fun designing a landscape with trees suitable for your area.

Caring for Trees

Tree care doesn’t stop after planting. The first few years are critical for newly planted trees. Always mulch your trees after planting to help retain moisture, protect trees, and prevent the spread of disease. Mulch also gives your landscape a beautiful look.

Watch Ask an Arborist: Why do we Mulch?

Trees are the smart and beautiful way to add character and texture to your yard. They are multipurpose, add privacy, and value to the landscape. When you plant a tree around your home, you’re helping to grow your community forest and the benefits that trees provide.

Check out these Tree Care Tips & Techniques for in-depth details on planting.