Terry's Gardening Tips
The Right Tree it the Right Place
In the last two Montgomery Bulletins I listed trees that can be planted as an excellent addition to the urban landscape. There are many benefits of planting trees: shade, beauty, windbreaks, privacy, cleaner air, less glare from light intrusion and an increase in property value. The key is that the right tree is selected and that it is planted in the right place. The right tree in the right place will not only assure a better chance of a lifetime of satisfaction, but will also lower maintenance costs.
A tree’s requirements to thrive, its form or shape, its size at maturity and its role or function in your landscape are all factors in determining the best tree to plant and also will identify the appropriate planting location. Factors to consider include:
- Trees selected must be appropriate for the hardiness zone, for southwest Ohio a tree must be able to grow in hardiness Zone 6.
- Moisture requirements and tolerance of trees vary so consider soil conditions when selecting a tree.
- The need or tolerance for varying light requirements varies. Some trees only thrive in full sunlight while some are very shade tolerant.
- Pest tolerance must also be considered, selecting a tree that is either bred for resistance to disease is always preferable. If a tree is planted that is susceptible to certain diseases or insects the ability of the tree to grow and thrive will be impacted as will maintenance costs.
- Factors such as soil depth, structure and pH can mean the difference between success or failure after planting. Soils conditions and types will vary even though certain types of native soils are more prevalent in this area. Some trees are adversely impacted by the use of deicing road salt. It is imperative that trees are a suitable match for the soil conditions they are planted in.
- Is the tree’s purpose to provide shade? If so, plant for when you want shade during the hottest time of the year-and the time of day that you desire the shade.
- Aesthetics and beauty may be subjective but consider the importance of proper planning to ensure that the natural beauty and characteristics of the tree will serve as an enhancement to the landscape and your property. Trees can frame an area, provide a backdrop or delineate boundaries.
- Trees can be planted as windbreaks or screens. Noise, dust, wind or light can all be blocked or screened in some manner if the right tree or groupings of trees are selected and planted in the right location.
- Trees have varying mature sizes and have different crown shapes. If in doubt, ask the nursery what the size or shape of the tree will be as the tree matures. You want to make certain that the tree you select fits the space you select.
The City of Montgomery has an excellent urban forestry program and has been recognized for ten consecutive years as a “Tree City USA” that provides continuing care and maintenance of public trees. There are many ways that property owners can find information about tree selection and planting including local nurseries, at an excellent website; www.arborday.org
or by contacting me at (513) 792-8355. It’s almost always a good time to plant a tree so consider adding the right tree in the right location. You will be happy that you did!