Considerations for Selecting New Trees for Your Property

The construction workers are gone, the house is up, and the yard extends out in front and behind you. Now what? Maybe your construction contract included some sod, a couple of shrubs, and one tree in the front yard. But what about the rest of your yard? Here are some considerations for selecting new trees for your property.

Choose Native Trees

Trees that are native to your area will do better in your landscape. They are naturally adapted to the local climate and may be more resistant to tree diseases common in the area than non-native species.

Check with your local nursery, your state department of forestry, or the local university extension about diseases currently affecting native trees in your area and trees that can resist them. These resources may have lists of recommended trees and those that are unwise to plant due to prevalent diseases or fungal infections.

Non-native species can be invasive, escaping your yard and spreading throughout other natural areas, choking off native plants.

Practicality

If you’re buying new trees to plant, it’s unlikely you’ll be going to the substantial expense of trucking in tall, mature trees. But trees grow, and some grow fast.

Learn the predicted height at maturity of the trees you’re thinking of adding. That slender trunk and those graceful, short limbs may become an enormous, spreading behemoth in 10 years.

Consider placement carefully. Too close to your house can result in roots damaging your foundation or invading your sewer line. When a tree looms over your roof, you’re at risk of falling branches due to storms or wind.

Placing a tree that will grow as tall as your house too close also risks storm damage from lightning strikes. Even if your house gets spared the direct hit, a tree struck by lightning can drop huge branches or suffer damage severe enough to risk falling, possibly right on top of your home.

Maintenance

Tree care is a consideration when adding new trees to your property. If yard work isn’t your thing, choose low-maintenance trees you can plant and forget. Evergreens and some ornamental trees fall into this category.

“Understory” trees that you can occasionally prune without getting up on a ladder are also a good choice. Just rake leaves seasonally and mulch when needed.

Large shade trees, however, need professional care. Trees that grow very densely may resist wind rather than letting it blow through gaps in the branches, raising the risk of wind damage and branches coming down.

Some species need careful monitoring for disease or insect damage. Know when to call a professional arborist to assess trees on your property for pre-emptive maintenance and disease control.

Planting new trees on your property will beautify your surroundings, provide shade, and, when well chosen, create year-round interest as the seasons change. As the years go by, you’ll add garden beds that thrive in shade, or flowering shrubs that add interest to sunny spots beyond your trees’ shadow.

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