With the world bursting into life all around us, spring is the perfect season to plant a tree. Many homeowners spend lots of time and energy choosing the perfect tree and digging the right sized hole, yet take very little time to consider the planting site itself.
Trees have very specific site requirements that should be considered before they are given a new home. Planting a tree is not like hanging a picture; it is very difficult (and expensive) to move if you don’t get it just right. If you need services concerning your tree, check out Joe’s Valdosta Tree Service. They are the top leading company that offers quality and dependable tree services. Sooner or later, in line with having a tree is keeping it maintain as it grows.
But you might be asking where to plant your tree? Is it safe to plant it everywhere in my yard? Well to answer these questions, here are some steps you can take for tree planting success:
- Choose the Right Species
It can be tempting to pick the prettiest tree in the nursery, but looks aren’t everything. You’ll need to determine what kind of tree will do best in your climate, soil, and growing conditions.
Trees that require full sun need a minimum of six hours of sun a day to thrive. Look around your yard and take note of how much shade it gets from structures and other trees. Also consider your region’s hardiness zone, which is the standard that determines which plants are likely to thrive at a given location. You can determine your region’s hardiness zone by referencing this Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
- Drainage
If your yard is sloped, trees and plants at the bottom of your yard will retain more water and may even be prone to drainage issues. Keep this in mind when deciding on the water needs of your future tree. The soil chemistry on your property may be very different from the tree’s natural growing habitat. A soil test can tell you what soil amendments are needed at planting for your tree to do well.
- Evaluate what structures are already existing
Foresight is your friend when it comes to planting a tree on your property. Some species of trees can grow very large quickly, and what once was a beautiful shade tree near your back porch can become a hazard, and a headache, down the road.
Required growing space is one of the most commonly overlooked factors when it comes to tree planting. Poor placement can result in roots or branches too close to structures, driveways, or sidewalks. You could also run into problems with underground plumbing, or overhead or underground power lines.
Before you plant, it’s important to know the tree’s height at maturity, as well as its crown spread and root space. Trees often require more space than you think. This sizing guide can help you determine the minimum spacing needed depending on the tree’s mature size.
- Look above and below
Before planting, remember to look above and look below. It’s important to be aware of overhead power lines and underground utility lines before you start digging.
Planting tall trees under power lines will require constant pruning to keep branches a safe distance from the wires. This type of persistent pruning can result in a less attractive and overall less vigorous tree. A tall growing tree planted underneath power lines can become a serious public safety hazard and a major hassle for service providers. Just don’t do it!
- Think seasonally
What’s going on in your yard in the spring can be drastically different than in the fall or winter. Thinking seasonally will help you plant your tree with its best interests in mind throughout the entire year.
Consider whether the tree is deciduous or evergreen. How much of a problem will falling leaves or needles be in this location? Also, keep in mind that a deciduous tree is preferable if you are planting on the south side of your house to provide shade from the west summer sun.
- Plan for the future
Think about your long-term plan for both the tree and your yard. Will you want to put in a shed or play structure in the future? How big will the surrounding trees grow? Do you have plans to eventually put in a driveway or a garage? How much will the tree shade your yard 10 or 15 years from now?