How to choose the right tree for the right spot

A tree is a tree is a tree, right? Well, not exactly. Likewise, not just any location is ideal for a tree. There’s more to selection and placement of a tree than you might think. Since a tree can outlive the person who planted it, planning is very important when planting or replacing a tree.

The main things to consider when choosing a tree to plant are:

• What purpose will the tree serve – shade, landscaping, soil stabilization, shelter?

• What size tree is best for the identified location? Are there existing utility lines to be considered? How close is vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian traffic to the location? How much room does the tree’s roots need?

• What are the environmental conditions of the identified location? What type and quality of soil exists? How much sunlight does the location receive per day?

• What ongoing maintenance is required and who will provide it?

The answers to these questions could lead to the perfect tree choice or a change in identified location to support a preferred tree choice. Long term landscaping requires flexibility and an open mind. The perfect combination of tree and location exists, it just might not be the combination you initially had in mind.

A vibrant, healthy tree adds value to property and enjoyment to homeowners. But trees serve other purposes including providing a wind break, providing shade, reducing street noise and ensuring privacy. Whatever attribute you seek determines the type, size and shape of the tree for you. Evergreens are perfect for a privacy screen and absorbing sound. A tall, full tree on the south side of your home will provide shade during the summer, but allow sun to warm your home after it has lost all its leaves in the late fall and winter.

Understanding how much space a tree needs underground is another important consideration when choosing location and tree type. Some trees’ roots can spread up to ten times (in every direction) the visible width of a tree. If there isn’t adequate space for root spread, the tree’s health is impacted or, in the case of strong growers, roots can work their way into plumbing and septic systems or even break into basements.

A common misconception about trees is that they need very little care. In fact, trees frequently need irrigation above and beyond natural rainfall and surrounding soil may need to be periodically enhanced. How much time or money do you have to provide ongoing care to ensure the health of your tree?

With trees filter pollutants and create oxygen, planting one is always a good idea. But with a little forethought about tree type and location, you won’t just plant any tree. You’ll plant the perfect tree.

If you have questions about tree and plant health care, contact SprayTech at 720.248.0000.  We provide tree services including tree spraying, tree fertilizing, tree deep root watering for Front Range communities.