If you’re considering including a shade tree to your yard this fall, begin homing in on your leading selections now, as the prime tree-planting season is right nearby.
Fall normally supplies optimal tree-planting conditions, with cozy soil and the assurance of months of rain and awesome weather that can aid a tree to obtain developed before spring growth.
To begin, have a look at this summary of all-star shade trees– using the medium to large covers, stunning branch framework, gorgeous blossoms, fantastic fall foliage, wild animals benefits and more– to see which one would certainly function best in your landscape.
1. Oak (Quercus spp.)
2. Maple (Acer spp.)
3. Linden (Tilia spp.)
4. Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
5. Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
6. Olive (Olea europaea)
7. Fruit Trees
8. Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida)
9. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
10. Conifers (Abies spp., Chamaecyparis spp., Cryptomeria spp., Cupressus spp., Picea spp., Pinus spp., Sequoia spp., Thuja spp. and others)
What to Consider When Choosing a Shade Tree
1. Climate.
Select a tree that will naturally thrive in your region and won’t require you to give it too much special care.
Check out what soil type, temperature ranges, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels a tree needs to be happy, and make sure it lines up with your climate and planting site.
2. Mature size.
Know how big a shade tree you’re interested in can get and determine whether that’s appropriate for your garden size. See how easily a tree can be maintained at a smaller size, if possible.
3. Seasonal Interest.
Think about your priorities when it comes to a tree. Are you looking for one that offers spring flowers, decorative or delicious fruit, spectacular fall foliage, or a gorgeous year-round branch structure? Most trees will have one or two of the above characteristics but rarely all.
4. Benefits to wildlife.
Native trees offer the most benefit to the insects, birds, and other animals that have evolved to depend on local trees for food and habitat.
Native and non-native trees provide shelter and nesting spots, while some provide food through seeds, nuts or fruit, or offer other benefits to wildlife.
5. Care and maintenance.
Look into what it takes to keep a tree healthy (frequency of pruning, water needs, branch thinning, and more) and see if that fits with your time and budget.
Is routinely sweeping up leaves, fruit, or flowers, for example, something you’re willing to take on?
6. Safety and regulations.
When scouting a spot to plant a tree, survey for utility lines both above and below ground. Check with local building codes for setback regulations and avoid planting a tree too close to the house — where it can disrupt the foundation and run the risk of dropping a limb on the roof.
If you live in an area with wildfires, avoid planting trees close to buildings and those that pose a greater fire hazard, such as highly flammable conifers and eucalyptus.
