Selecting a new tree to plant is exciting! Beautiful trees can make such a huge difference in the appearance of your home and garden. What type of tree to plant can be a big decision – there are so many varieties to choose from. How can you narrow down the field to select the perfect one?

Tree-Harmony: Let Us Help You Make a Perfect Match

We’ve all been there – tired of the same old scene, wanting something new and ready for a change. You may have done some research already, but making a choice that seems so permanent may require some professional advice. Don’t navigate these waters alone! Let us help you meet the best trees for you!
No yard is complete without trees. They improve energy efficiency (who doesn’t love that eco-friendly feel?), add value to your property (more dollars and cents is a real catch), provide seasonal appeal for a more beautiful yard, offer a spot for a swing or hammock (the best of both worlds, rest and play), and can be part of the legacy you leave behind (which is the whole point, right?).

Now that you are ready to add a tree – or several – to your life, let’s start with the top considerations. When looking for the perfect tree, there are a few things to consider. What are your goals? Does the outdoor entertaining area need some shade? Is that open space begging for something show-stopping? Maybe you enjoy bird watching and want to attract some wildlife? We bet you and your neighbor have different ideas of what constitutes a good view (the collection of rusty tractors just doesn’t do it for you, huh?). Or maybe you need a little more privacy? Having a clear purpose for the trees you want will help determine which ones will be right for you.

Now, let’s talk location. Choosing the right spot will give your trees the best possible growing conditions and is the easiest way to ensure that you will benefit from all the outstanding features your trees have to offer for a long time. It is of paramount importance to know how much exposure to light, wind, poor drainage, or dry soil your new trees will need to withstand. For example, crape myrtles love basking in full sun, but do not tolerate wind. Selecting the right tree for the right spot is critical to making this relationship last for years to come.

Looks are important. Considering aesthetics like shape, structure, bloom, color and other seasonal interest will help you narrow your options. Decide if you want spring charm, reliable evergreen color, fiery autumn drama, winter glam, or all of the above – who says you can’t have it all? Placement and quantity are also factors in visual appeal. Are you looking for an individual star or does the team effort appeal to you? There are certain trees that beg to be a stand-alone specimen (like a Ginkgo, London Planetree, Dawn Redwood, or Paperbark Maple) while others make a statement en masse (like groupings of redbuds, a privacy screen of arborvitae, a grove of river birch or a driveway lined with red maples). The right trees can bring your vision to reality.

Work within your constraints. No one wants to change or compromise too much when making a match, so pick trees that fit within the parameters you and your yard have. Think about size and how much space your yard allows. We recommend a minimum of 20 feet trunk-to-trunk between shade trees or from the wall of a building. Smaller, flowering trees only need 15 feet of spacing. A tree that doesn’t fit its space will eventually mean more pruning work for you and will compromise root growth and vital resources for your trees. Keep everyone happy and healthy by being realistic about size and space.
With these points of consideration and armed with knowledge, you can fully prepare to meet the tree of your dreams that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and benefit. It will be a match made to last the test of time!