Trees for Your Home.
Trees define the landscape, creating the bones of your
garden. Choose the wrong one and the appearance of your home
may be diminished. With so many different types to choose
from, how do you pick a tree that will beautify your home?
Whether you’re looking for shade, privacy, or something
ornamental, you can find just the right tree to fit your
needs.
Most people fail to
consider the mature height and appearance of a tree when
they are selecting one for their landscape. Trees are
generally sold in containers, much smaller than their
full-grown height. The tree’s shape will also say a lot
about whether it is suitable for the area in which you want
to place it. Sure, the tree might look great while it’s
sitting there in the container, but once it’s planted and
grown to the point of concealing your existence, or the
roots have become entwined in your septic lines, how great
is it then? Trees that are too large for the landscape will
not look appealing. Then again, choose one that is way too
small and you may as well be choosing a shrub instead,
leaving the landscape looking barren. Any tree placed within
a landscape should complement its surroundings and remain
within scale to your home as well the rest of the landscape.
The best way to ensure
the right tree for your landscape is to perform some
research beforehand. There are numerous resources available,
from books to online resources. Also, take a walk around
your property, noting any existing trees and in what areas
of the landscape you would like to add more. Determine your
overall purpose and the tree’s function. Perhaps you are
looking for more shade. Will the tree be chosen merely for
its flowering in spring or its fall color? Do you want to
add some privacy to your home? Consider its overall size and
shape before making any decisions, especially when you’re
ready to purchase one. This is where all of your research
will pay off; saving you both time and money later on down
the road. With shade trees, it is important to consider
height since they are usually located nearest the home. This
means that safety issues need to be addressed. Generally,
the oak tree is one of the safest choices you can make.
These trees are extremely sturdy. Red maples, best known for
their amazing fall foliage, also make fast-growing shade
trees and suitable landscaping choices. Sycamore trees are
fast growing and ideal as shade trees as well. Furthermore,
these trees provide additional interest with impressive,
flaking bark. Elm trees with their towering, yet, graceful
canopies are excellent choices too. Not everyone, however,
requires something large. Maybe you live on a small lot or
perhaps you are simply looking for something to shade your
patio or deck. If this is the case, choosing a smaller-sized
tree is most fitting provided you select one having
large-spreading canopies, such as a dogwood.
Consider Flowering
Trees............. Dogwood trees offer striking blooms
during spring, interesting branching patterns during summer
and beautiful foliage during fall. Other good choices for
spring flowering include ornamental fruit trees; the fruit
is merely a bonus. My favorites are Bradford pears and apple
trees. Flowering landscape trees can be the main attraction
of the landscape during the spring season. Weeping cherry
trees are spectacular blooming specimens for the spring
landscape as are magnolias. However, did you know
that some
trees bloom in summer as well? For example, crepe myrtles
provide stunning flower color and have a long blooming
period, lasting from mid-summer to fall. Maybe it’s fall
color you’re looking for. Good choices here include maples,
ash, poplars, and some oak varieties. Japanese maples
display exceptional foliage color not only in autumn but
during summer as well. An interesting tree for winter
enjoyment include birch trees. Birches have interesting
branching patterns as well as unusual bark.
Do You Need Privacy? Privacy is sometimes an important factor when selecting trees for the landscape. Many evergreens are used for this purpose, as they remain full and green throughout the year. Arborvitae trees are attractive year round. These evergreen trees are commonly used for creating screens or privacy fences. Blue spruce not only looks lovely in winter as a specimen plant, but planting more than one will also create appealing windbreaks and additional privacy. Evergreen trees always deserve a welcoming spot in the landscape. Their foliage brightens winter scenes, offering an opportunity to distance ourselves from the gloominess of dark winter days. Many evergreen trees can actually be pruned down to resemble shrubs and used as foundation plantings to obscure unsightly areas or provide year-round interest. Good considerations here include evergreen yew and holly. Either of these can be grouped to form a hedge, or used as a specimen plant by itself. Hollies provide an additional bonus. The foliage of these evergreens can be used for winter decorations during the holidays, and their lovely red berries attract birds as well. No matter where you live, there’s a tree for you. Provided you’ve done your research and chosen trees wisely, your landscape will flourish with beauty year round. Nothing makes for a more stunning view than trees that please the landscape.
