If you are considering landscaping the exterior of your home with trees, you can expect to have a rich return on your investment. However, trees take awhile to grow and flourish, so if you are only planning to spend a short amount of time on your property, you might want to invest in large shrubs instead.
Trees add volume, color and a sense of age to your property. They both lift the landscape up and top it off with a shade-giving canopy.
Climate
When landscaping with trees, the first thing you need to take into consideration is your climate. Some trees, such as palm trees, thrive in hot, humid locales whereas other trees, such as pine and fur, do best in mild to cold climates. It would be a good idea to visit a library or your local greenhouse to get a good idea of what trees and tree families would do best in your area.
Functionality
Second, it is important to consider the functionality of your trees. If you would like to plant a tree that will one day grow into a tall centerpiece for your yard, than consider investing in an Oak, Maple or Pine. These trees tend to do best in regions that are mild and all have leaves that will shed in the autumn. While these trees are slow growing, they will last for centuries on your property, making your investment a legacy for your family and neighborhood.
Many people choose to landscape with smaller to medium-sized trees that have colorful buds. The flowers, although seasonal, offer a nice splash of hue to any lawn. Consider investigating the Dogwood and Japanese Cherry Tree for some nice medium-sized trees that have seasonal flowers. These trees are sturdy and grow in many climates. The Cherry Tree will bloom in the spring and, if it has a nearby mate, it will grow cherries as well. Be warned: the flower buds are quite smelly.
Location
The location of the trees on your property is an important factor to take into consideration when landscaping your home. Trees grow up, out and down. From the base, the roots of your tree will extend far beyond the viewable surface under the soil on your property. Be careful when planting the trees too close to your home, fence or other structure, as the roots to a larger tree may cause the structure to become uprooted.
As your trees grow taller, especially if you have invested in large trees, like the Oak, the branches will also grow longer. Keep an eye on branches that grow close to your home, as they can collide with the walls of your home and cause structural damage. It is also important to keep the tree limbs away from the road and sidewalk, as obstructing limbs can cause serious troubles for vehicles and pedestrians. Finally, if limbs of your trees grow out over your roof, you may want to have an expert tree faller determine whether or not the trees are safe.
Trees are a wonderful, long-term investment for any property. They add value, privacy, age and beauty. What’s more: your trees will be a legacy for your family – standing tall long into the future.