Things To Consider When Choosing Trees

Her are a few things to consider when choosing trees to plant near your home.

1. Your Location/Climate:

What is your general geographic location (e.g., Southeastern US, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, etc.)? Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is also very helpful. You can find this by searching online for “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map” and entering your zip code.
What are the typical temperature extremes in your area (hot summers, cold winters)?
How much rainfall does your area get?

2. Sunlight Conditions:

How much sun does your backyard get? (Full sun – 6+ hours of direct sunlight, partial sun/shade – 3-6 hours, full shade – less than 3 hours)
Are there any existing trees or structures that cast shade?

3. Soil Conditions:

What is the soil type? (e.g., sandy, clay, loamy) You can often tell by how well water drains. Does water pool on the surface, or does it soak in quickly?
Is the soil well-draining?
Is the soil acidic, alkaline, or neutral? (This is harder to determine without a soil test)

4. Space Considerations:

How large is your backyard?
How much space do you have for the tree(s) to grow (width and height)?
Are there any overhead power lines or underground utilities to be aware of?
Do you want a tree that provides shade, privacy, or a specific aesthetic (flowers, fall color, etc.)?

5. Your Preferences:

What are your goals for the tree(s)? (shade, privacy, beauty, wildlife attraction, etc.)
Do you have any preferences about the type of tree (deciduous or evergreen, flowering, fruiting, etc.)?
Are you looking for low-maintenance trees?
Are you concerned about potential allergies or other health issues related to trees?

Once you determine this information, you can make a more specific decision about which trees will thrive in your backyard!

In the meantime, here are some general popular choices:

Popular General Choices (Adaptable to many areas – but always confirm suitability for your zone):

For Shade:
- Maple trees: Many varieties, providing excellent shade.
- Oak trees: Long-lived and provide good shade.
- Beech Trees: Provide great shade and are a favorite of many.
- Linden/Basswood trees: Attractive shade trees with fragrant flowers.
For Flowering:
- Dogwood: Beautiful spring flowers and fall color.
- Crabapple: Stunning spring blooms, many varieties with different flower colors and fruit.
- Magnolia: Large, showy flowers (can be messy with petal drop).
- Cherry Trees: Gorgeous spring blossoms (some varieties produce edible fruit).
For Fall Color:
- Maple trees: Many varieties, providing excellent fall color (red, orange, yellow).
- Oak trees: Some varieties have excellent fall color.
- Dogwood: Red or purple fall foliage.
- Ginkgo: Unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant yellow.
For Privacy:
- Evergreen trees: (e.g., Arborvitae, Spruce, Pine) provide year-round screening.
- Leyland Cypress: Fast-growing evergreen, but can be susceptible to certain diseases.
For Wildlife:
- Consider trees that produce berries or nuts to attract birds and other animals. Examples include:
  - Oak (acorns)
  - Serviceberry (berries)
  - Crabapple (fruit)
  - American Holly (berries)
For Small Backyards:
- Consider dwarf or columnar varieties of trees.

Important Considerations Before Planting:

Check with your local municipality or homeowner’s association (HOA) for any restrictions on tree planting. There may be rules about the types of trees allowed, planting distances from property lines, and utility easements.
Consider the mature size of the tree. Make sure you have enough space for the tree to grow without interfering with buildings, power lines, or other structures.
Prepare the soil properly. Dig a wide hole (wider than the root ball) and amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years.
Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
Prune the tree regularly to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain its shape.