The Right Place to Plant a Tree

Planting trees on your property is a great way to add visual interest, contribute to a healthier environment and offset the burden of tree removal and deforestation across the country. But once you’ve decided to plant one tree or multiple, how can you determine the right location to plant them? Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow put together this quick guide of things to take into consideration when choosing the best spot for a new tree. 

After narrowing down the varieties of non-invasive trees that will thrive in your neck of the woods, make sure the location you want to plant your tree or trees will complement the following characteristics: 

Height 

Know the average or maximum height the tree will reach upon maturity. If it won’t get too tall, that’s fine—but make sure you’re not planting ashes and elms underneath a power line or extended roof line. 

Canopy 

The canopy refers to the measurement that encompasses all layers of leaves, branches and stems of a tree that shelter the ground when viewed from above. A canopy spread determines the width a tree will grow to, which is very important to know when choosing placement. If a tree’s mature canopy has the potential to reach a roof, power line or other obstacle, plant it far away from anything it will interfere with. 

Tree Type 

Almost all tree species can be separated into two major categories: coniferous and deciduous. Coniferous trees, also known as evergreen trees, typically grow needles and cones as opposed to leaves. They’ll retain their color year round and drop their cones, but never lose all of their needles—think “Christmas trees” or pine, fir and cedars. Deciduous, on the other hand, have a seasonal cycle. Deciduous trees have leaves that thrive during summer, turn beautiful hues in the fall, drop during winter and regrow in the spring. If you’re concerned with leaves piling up in certain spots of your property, plant a deciduous tree far away from that. We also recommend planting coniferous trees further from the house, as their dropped cones spread seeds and can create a forest of them in a matter of years. 

Shape

Skinny or column-shaped trees can grow in a minimal amount of space, so they’re fine to be placed between buildings. But rounder trees (with a larger canopy spread) will require a bit more space. 

Growth Rate

Species of trees that grow slower typically live longer than the fast-growing varieties—which is important to remember when choosing a location to plant. Homeowners should taker future generations, and impending area development, into consideration when planting long-lasting trees. 

Environment Requirements 

Every tree requires a unique amount of sun and moisture, and many need a specific type of soil to survive. If these environmental levels vary across your property, ensure you’re setting up each tree for success based on where it’s planted. 

Drop Zone

Leaves aren’t the only thing falling from trees. Many will drop fruit (crab apples), nuts (acorns and pecans) or large seeds that can be an annoyance—or a hazard—if planted over a sidewalk or driveway. 

Taking part in contributing to a healthy community forest is a wonderful thing to do, just make sure you’re approaching it in the best way possible. For more information on using trees to grow a better future in Central Texas, contact Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrows.