“If I had a nickel for every time I saw a tree or shrub planted incorrectly I would be…“
Well, you know the saying, and it’s true. Times have changed. Some of the rules surrounding tree planting that were considered correct in the 70’s and 80’s are no longer considered good arboriculture practices. There are still simple mistakes being made that come back to haunt us.
Many landscapers still do not understand the basic rules of plant growth and pruning. By understanding the variables of grade, texture, the structure of the soil, space allocation, and sun exposure, we can make better decisions that ensure the long-term health of your plants.
Additionally, we can consult with you on what tree will best fit your space. Our goal is to you and your trees a happy outcome that will work for many years to come.
Plant the Best Tree for the Area
From outward appearances, planting a tree looks easy. Dig a hole, place a tree in the hole, and fill in with soil. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more to consider.
What trees do well in certain areas depends on a wide variety of factors, including:
- Region
- Soil type
- Surrounding vegetation
- Street and sidewalk layout
- Amount of water available to the area
- So much more
Choosing the wrong tree for the area is costly monetarily and costly in terms of time. If you select a tree that’s destined to fail in the spot you want to place it, it might do alright for 3-5 years before it gives up and dies. Then you are back at square one.
Time is the best currency to measure trees with because it takes a long time to grow a majestic tree that will fill out your space.
When to Plant a Tree
Knowing when to plant a tree plays a significant factor in the success of the tree. Further, if you want us to plant a tree for you, consider this timeframe.
Planting season runs from the middle of October to the middle of March. Depending on the variety, you can plant trees during the late spring and summer, but it can be difficult for the tree to establish itself during those times.
What’s the Best Tree for my Yard?
Obviously, we can’t pick a tree for you, but we can tell you which species will and won’t work and where they will do best in your yard. Knowing how fast a tree will grow and what its size will be in ten years can keep you from making a costly mistake.
Also, it’s good to consider how much effort goes into keeping your trees maintained. Some trees drop a lot of litter through the year, whereas others just sit there and look pretty.
In the end, we can’t tell you what tree is best for you, but we can arm you with the knowledge to find your perfect fit, and we can plant it for you!
How Should I Plant my Tree?
There is so much to know when it comes to planting trees. We can tell you some things for certain, like you should dig a hole bigger than the tree’s root ball.
Loosen the soil around the root ball and break it up a bit. Ripping some of the roots apart encourages the tree to take root in it’s new home.
Plant the top of the root ball level with the soil line and as you fill in around the root ball, leave a small indent. Do not mound soil over the root ball, and there should be a minor indentation in the soil.
Benefits Trees Bring
Trees bring a wide variety of benefits to your property that you might not even realize. For one, trees bring immense aesthetic value to your property. They can accent structures and landscape beautifully, helping the curb appeal of your house or land. Trees also provide valuable shade, which can help to cut down on cooling bills in the summer.
Trees also provide a wide variety of benefits to the environment by providing a natural habitat for wildlife like birds, and by slowing the impact of rain on the land. Trees are natural respirators, meaning they give off fresh oxygen. They can even help to protect structures and landscaping from harsh elements like wind and rain.
At New Day Arborist & Tree Service, we can help you to choose which tree is right for your property and help you to plant it, so it has the best chance of success.
Deciduous Vs. Evergreen Trees
When choosing trees or shrubs for your yard, one of the most common questions that we are asked is, “should we plant deciduous trees or evergreen trees?” Ultimately, it all boils down to personal preferences that and reasonable expectations.
No matter what you are choosing, you will likely see better long-term results if the tree you pick is a native of the area. New Day Arborist & Tree Service are experts in native PNW trees, so we have you covered!
Whether you end up choosing a deciduous or evergreen tree will hinge on your goals for the tree. Obvious aesthetics are important. When you choose a deciduous tree, you get to enjoy the new foliage in the spring, fleshy leaves in the summer, and fall color in the autumn. In the winter deciduous trees look pretty bare.
If you want a tree that provides privacy all-year-long, an evergreen may be a better choice. Because we live in the Pacific Northwest, we benefit from having a wide variety of both deciduous and evergreen trees to choose from, so we know you will be pleased!
Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment!