Right Size, Right Location - is the Key for Trees
- Arco Group
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Trees and shrubs come in various shapes and sizes, providing numerous options to create a dynamic and appealing landscape for any property or estate.
It's important to consider key parameters. Outline your available planting area using a pencil and tape measure.
1. Consider the mature height of the tree and its shape, as it will need space to grow. Some trees are slender, while others have a broad shade canopy. Selecting the right tree for your available space is crucial.
The space above or around the tree, including power lines and other overhead elements.
* Never plant a tree that will exceed 25 feet in height under power lines or within 20 feet of the pole-to-pole center line.
Consider the presence of underground utilities, such as cables, pipelines, sewer lines, and irrigation, since roots may reach these lines and disrupt or damage services to your home or commercial property. It's best to contact your utility companies to mark the utility paths with flags or spray paint. Common guidelines to avoid conflicts with underground utilities include:
* Maintain a minimum distance of 5 feet from buried utility lines.
* For sewer lines, maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet or more.
4. Be aware that tree roots grow in all directions, with most roots found in the top 2 feet of soil where nutrients are abundant. Roots grow opportunistically, seeking water and oxygen. A broken water or sewer line can attract root penetration.
5. Consider structures such as homes, buildings, sidewalks, curbs, fountains, and roads. The guideline for tree distance from a structure is 1/3 to ½ the distance of its mature height. For example, a tree with a mature height of 30 ft should be planted at least 10 ft away from the structure. Tree roots can push on building foundations and disrupt sidewalks, curbs, and roads. Tree branches can overhang roofs, potentially causing rot or damage to shingles from fallen debris.
Distance guidelines for planting trees near structures to reduce root and branch conflicts:
Plant small trees (25 feet tall or less at maturity) at least 8 to 10 feet from a wall, or 6 to 8 feet from a corner of your home.
Plant medium trees (up to 40 feet at maturity) at least 15 feet from walls, and at least 12 feet from a corner.
Plant large trees (greater than 40 feet tall at maturity) at least 20 feet from a wall, and at least 15 feet from any corner.
Privacy & Sloping land –
Depending on the location, you might consider trees that are low maintenance or drought-resistant. Some trees provide excellent privacy, while others are naturally low-lying, allowing visibility over the top. These low-lying shrubs are ideal for slopes, helping to prevent soil erosion and requiring low maintenance, as the area won't need mowing in difficult spots.
Native Trees –
Native trees and shrubs are generally lower maintenance, having evolved to thrive in the local environment (soil and climate). Planting native species is encouraged as they benefit the ecosystem, providing shelter and food for animals, birds, and insects like honey bees. According to recent studies, a good rule of thumb is to have at least 70% of the trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants in your home landscape native to your region.
If you prefer a specific type of tree that grows too large at maturity, consider a smaller, hybrid, or dwarf version of the species. For example, if you love the sugar maple for its fall colors, a dwarf-sized sugar maple might be more suitable for limited landscape areas.
Consult your local nursery about available tree varieties.
Diversity -
Your landscape, estate, or property can be designed to be more resilient with diverse species and genus planting. Many non-native pathogens and insects have detrimental effects on suburban, urban, and rural landscapes. Diversity offers dynamic variety during colorful seasons and adds size and visual interest to any landscape. Communities and homeowners have lost several of the same tree, drastically altering the environment's appearance and feel. You don't realize how vital trees are in mitigating summer heat until they are gone.
These are some main parameters to consider when planting trees and shrubs on your property, estate, and landscapes. Enjoy enhancing your space and environment.
An arborist can provide guidance on which trees would best fit your residential, commercial, or estate property space constraints.
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