Learn from Tree Experts: Where is the Best Location for My Trees?

Do you have the perfect spot in mind for a new tree on your property? If so, it’s important to remember that some areas are better than others depending upon the type of tree you’re considering. Review the tips below from ValleyCrest tree experts to find out more. 

Select an Appropriate Tree

Warmer spring weather gets many people thinking about planting, and that’s a good thing. However, there’s a tendency to rush into new landscape installations without considering the basic needs of the tree. A common mistake is choosing a tree based solely on its looks, and then deciding where to put it.

What to Consider when Planting a Tree

To ensure the success of your new planting, ValleyCrest Tree Care Services recommends first deciding what purpose you’d like a tree to serve. Will the new tree be used to provide shade? As a screen for privacy? As an ornamental focal point? Once we know what you’d like, we can advise you on the best tree for the job.

8 Questions to Consider

1. Height – Will the tree interfere with anything when it is fully grown?
2. Canopy spread – How wide will the tree grow?
3. Leaves – Is the tree deciduous or coniferous? Will it lose its leaves in the winter?
4. Form or Shape? – A columnar tree will grow in limited space. Round and V-shaped species
   provide the most shade.
5. Growth rate – How long will it take for your tree to reach its full height? Slow growing species typically live longer than fast growing species.
6. Environment – What are the soil, sun, and moisture requirements?
7. Fruit – Do you want fruit or will the messy droppings on busy sidewalks be a problem?
8. Hardiness zone – What temperature extremities will the tree be expected to endure?

Choose a Suitable Planting Site

After selecting your new tree, the next step is deciding where to plant it. Getting your new tree off to a healthy start requires careful consideration of the following factors:

• Size – Planting trees too close to each other or to buildings may require excessive pruning down the road. New trees should be planted where they’ll have plenty of room to expand their roots and branches.
• Soil – Some trees grow better in either an acid or an alkaline soil type. Soil testing can reveal what type of soil you have on your property and can help determine what types of trees will do best.
• Roots and drainage – The roots of some trees grow and expand aggressively in an effort to reach a source of water which may be a problem if underground pipes are near. Planting sites with good drainage are preferable to avoid water collecting in low areas, forcing oxygen out and starving roots of vital air.