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CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREE OR SHRUB FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE
The choice of a new tree or shrub for your landscape isn't as simple as just what the nursery has on sale at that particular moment. Homeowners need to consider what purpose they want each tree or shrub to serve in their landscaping.
Consider these questions when deciding what kind of tree or shrub you should plant:
Is the tree or shrub meant to attract birds?
Does the tree need to provide shade?
Do you need a plant for a privacy screen?
Are you looking for a plant to enhance the appearance of your home?
Do you want a plant that will help identify an entrance or exit?
Each purpose will direct the homeowner to certain types of trees or shrubs that are most suited to answer that need. The right trees and shrubs can offer depth and dimension to your landscaping, setting your property apart from neighboring properties.
Consideration should also be given to species diversity among the trees and shrubs you select for your landscaping. Plant diversity limits the risk that the next tree-attacking disease or insect could destroy all the trees on the property at once.
Considerations for selecting a tree:
Hardiness – the ability of the tree to survive extremes of cold and heat.
Mature height and spread – will it grow large enough to serve the intended purpose, or grow too big and hinder surrounding plants or encroach on your house.
Growth rate – will it grow at a proper rate to fulfill the purpose intended.
Cleanliness – does it drop lots of leaves, berries, nuts, seeds, or other material that will add to regular yard clean-up or possibly harm other plants?
Type of root system – how much space does it require, and what type of soil.
Moisture and fertilizer requirements – how much maintenance work should be expected for the tree.
Space available – how much room does the tree require, both below ground and above.
Maintenance requirements – will it require regular pruning, trimming, spraying, and other care.
Availability – is the desired tree available in your area.
Ornamental effects – how does the tree branch out, what is its texture, the color of the bark, any flowers, fruit and foliage, and whether the tree is evergreen or deciduous.
Each of these items are important factors that should be considered when deciding if the tree fits the desired purpose.
Consulting a local tree care company is an excellent option to help you determine which trees will perform well in your area and are best suited for your site and intent.
A professional arborist will often do a close analysis of the planting site to determine environmental conditions that may limit your selections, such as:
Potential disease and insect problems
Prior use of the planting site
Soil conditions, such as drainage, and pH levels
Local wind conditions
Location of above and below ground utilities which must be avoided and will limit plant choice and location
Position of plants in relation to buildings, roads, walkways, and security lighting
Is there enough space available for the new tree or shrub?
Availability of space at the site and the eventual size of trees or shrubs after they reach maturity are critical considerations. Addressing these in advance will make a considerable difference in managing and reducing your maintenance costs. As an example, trees that will become quite tall should not be placed beneath electric lines. Likewise, location of underground utilities should be considered with regard to potential spread of root systems; it would be nice if digging a trench to service the gas line or sewer didn't kill your tree by cutting a significant portion of its roots. Ground level utility structures, such a transformers and individual service connections require space for service to be performed; calculation of how much room to leave, usually a minimum of ten feet, should be based on the expected size of the tree or shrub at maturity.
Where to plant your new tree or shrub
Planting locations may be limited by community ordinances that restrict planting near power lines, parking zones, street lights, sewer pipes, traffic control signs and signals, sidewalks, and property lines. In most cities, the land between the street and the sidewalk is considered city land, giving the municipality the right to remove any existing tree and to veto any new plantings. Consult your municipality, city forester or an arborist to determine what zoning requirements may affect your intended project, and if permits are required.
● Leonard
Owen Tree Service provides tree, lawn, and landscape services to the following cities and towns:
Genesee County, Michigan:
● Burton
● Davison
● Flushing
● Goodrich
● Linden
● Otisville
● Clio
● Fenton
● Gaines
● Grand Blanc
● Montrose
● Otter Lake
● Flint
● Genesee
● Lennon
● Mt Morris
● Swartz Creek
Lapeer County, Michigan:
● Almont
● Brown City
● Columbiaville
● Imlay City
● Metamora
● Peck
● Attica
● Clifford
● Dryden
● Lapeer
● North Branch
● Sandusky
● Hadley
● Mayville
● Otter Lake
● Silverwood
Macomb County, Michigan:
● Armada
● Clinton Twp
● Grosse Pointe
● Macomb
● New Haven
● St Clair Shores
● Centerline
● Detroit
● Grosse Pointe Farms
● Ray
● Sterling Heights
● Chesterfield
● Eastpointe
● Grosse Pointe Shores
● Memphis
● Romeo
● Utica
● Clinton
● Fraser
● Grosse Pointe Woods
● Mt Clemens
● Roseville
● Warren
● Harrison Twp
● New Baltimore
● Shelby Twp
● Washington
Oakland County, Michigan:
● Auburn Hills
● Bloomfield Village
● Ferndale
● Orion
● South Lyon
● Berkley
● Clarkston
● Franklin
● Madison Heights
● Ortonville
● Southfield
● Beverly Hills
● Clawson
● Hazel Park
● Milford
● Oxford
● Troy
● Bingham Farms
● Commerce Twp
● Highland
● Novi
● Pleasant Ridge
● Walled Lake
● Birmingham
● Davisburg
● Holly
● Oak Park
● Pontiac
● Waterford
● Bloomfield
● Detroit
● Huntington Woods
● Oakland
● Rochester
● West Bloomfield
● Bloomfield Hills
● Farmington
● Lake Orion
● Oakland Twp
● Rochester Hills
● White Lake
● Farmington Hills
● Lathrup Village
● Orchard Lake
● Royal Oak
● Wixom
St. Clair County, Michigan:
● Algonac
● Casco
● East China
● Harbor Beach
● Lexington
● Peck
● Allenton
● Clay
● Emmett
● Harsens Island
● Marine City
● Port Huron
● Berlin
● Clyde
● Fair Haven
● Jeddo
● Marysville
● Richmond
● Brockway
● Columbus
● Fort Gratiot
● Kimball
● Memphis
● Sandusky
● Capac
● Cottrellville
● Goodells
● Lakeport
● North Street
● St Clair