With proper planning and selection, trees can add value and
beauty to your home. Depending on the tree and planting location, it may
also conserve energy in your home, add to the enjoyment of your yard, and
attract wildlife. However, choosing the wrong tree or planting them in the
wrong place may cause property damage or become a nuisance or even a hazard.
Before purchasing a tree, consider the following questions. Your answers to these questions, and the references listed at the end of this article, will help you choose the right tree for your yard.
Always
take into consideration a tree’s mature height. A large tree
planted near your house or garage may loosen roofing or clog the gutters. Large
trees can also interfere with electrical wires. Small trees that will reach a
maturity height of 15 feet or less are recommended for areas under electrical
lines. Some good choices for small trees include crabapples, Japanese tree
lilac, pagoda dogwood or serviceberry. When appropriately sited a large tree is
wonderful – try a bur oak, red maple, American beech, 'Autumn Purple' white
ash or gingko. For more information on choosing the appropriate tree for use
under power lines, see the publication Power
Planting: A Guide to Help You Choose the Right Tree in the Right Place
(note: this pdf file does not always load properly).
Trees also differ in their form
– upright, round, spreading. What look
do you want? Different varieties of crabapples come in all these
shapes. And, remember, flowers or fall color last a short time. Japanese
tree lilac bears large creamy-white flower clusters in June and 'Autumn Blaze'
hybrid maple has striking fall color, but otherwise these trees are not
extraordinary at other times. You may want to consider a tree that offers interest year-round
– spring
flowers, fall color, interesting bark. Kentucky coffee tree has large,
fragrant green-white flowers on female trees, followed by interesting pods,
yellow fall color, and the brown, fish
scale-like bark for winter interest (choose male selections if you don't want
the somewhat messy pods). Or you may prefer an evergreen for year-round
substance.
Consider the amount of sun, soil type, location, and drainage conditions. Will
the tree be in full sun, partial sun, or shade? Some trees require full sun
while others can tolerate half shade. Most of the large trees need full
sun. Some trees that do well with some shade include pagoda dogwood, Japanese
yew and Canadian hemlock. Some trees tolerate a wetter soil
while others require a drier, well-drained soil. White ash and sycamores
tolerate soils with poor drainage, while catalpa, white oak and white (concolor)
fir do best with dry soil.
Many newer varieties are resistant to insect and disease problems. This will
reduce or eliminate pest and disease problems and reduce the amount of
maintenance on a tree (i.e., spraying). There are many varieties of ornamental
crabapples that are resistant to apple scab, a fungal disease that can defoliate
a tree every year, and/or to the bacterial disease fireblight. Some examples
include 'Prairie Fire,' 'Profusion,' and 'Red Jewel,' but there are many other
good choices available.
Avoid using trees that you know will have insect or disease problems in your area. Providing the proper soil, moisture, and exposure conditions will help many trees resist certain problems, while stressed trees are more likely to be affected.
If the tree will
be near a driveway or street, you will need to purchase a salt-tolerant tree. Not
all trees successfully adapt to urban conditions. Choosing a tree that tolerates
soil compaction, air pollution or salt spray will help it survive in your
environment. Some trees that do well in urban conditions include Colorado blue
spruce, freeman maple, honeylocust, littleleaf linden and some hawthorns.
Most fast
growing trees have undesirable features such as messy fruits, shallow root
systems, or weak wood that breaks easily. But if you want a windbreak or
shade quickly, a fast-growing tree such as honeylocust, larch or poplar make be
appropriate. Silver maples are notorious for their quick growth and weak wood;
newer hybrids between silver and red maples (freeman maples) eliminate some of
these drawbacks but still grow quickly. 'Autumn Blaze' is a good variety of
freeman maple that grows 18" or more each year and has excellent fall
color. There are many possibilities for trees with medium growth rate, including
birches, callery pear, red oak, and redbud. Some trees grow very slowly, but are worth the wait. Beech,
Colorado blue spruce, gingko and bur oak will develop into magnificent specimens
over time. You may have your grandchildren in mind when planting these trees!
If you prefer low
maintenance, you will need to choose a tree without messy fruits, seeds, or
those that litter twigs and leaves throughout the season. Honeylocust and
weeping willow are attractive trees, but tend to drop leaves or twigs
frequently. Female Kentucky coffee tree produces large pods that will need to be
cleaned up as they fall. For a few types of trees there are male selections
available, such as 'Espresso' Kentucky coffee tree or specific gingko trees,
that do not produce fruit, eliminating the mess. Also, those some trees, such as
amur maple and or crabapples, may self-seed readily, leaving you with a lawn of
baby trees to pull out each year. Fruitless or seedless types eliminate this
potential problem.
Sometimes local ordinances forbid the planting of certain trees due to some undesirable characteristics. And, remember to consider your neighbors. Will a new tree on your property shade your neighbor’s their property?
Discuss the answers to your questions with a reputable nursery or garden center. They will help you narrow down your choices. When you’re ready to purchase your tree, shop around to compare quality and cost. This will add to the success of your tree and your enjoyment of it in years to come.
– Ann Wied, Waukesha County UW-Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator
