Planting new trees on your property can provide all sorts of benefits, from wind protection and shade to pleasant aesthetics and an increase in your home's value. This process requires some care and research to make sure that you are choosing trees that will grow well in your area and that you are getting everything you want from the specific trees you choose.
Know Your Zone
No matter where you live, there will be trees that thrive in your area and trees that will have a tough time surviving. The method used to categorize different zones is called the Hardiness Zone Map, which uses average temperatures of each area to divide them up, totaling eleven different zones. Many trees are listed by what zones they can most easily grow in to help you narrow down your options.
Start by finding out what zone you're in, then use that as you start looking at trees going forward. It's safest to double-check any trees you have your eye on, because trees for sale at a local nursery won't necessarily always be a perfect fit. Trees are sold for a variety of purposes and locations, so if you want help getting started, ask a professional to show you which trees would fit best in your area.
Decide The Purpose Your Trees Will Serve
Trees can serve a variety of purposes from aesthetic to practical, and it's important to know what purpose you want your trees to serve before you even start narrowing down your options. The reason you're planting can affect how far from your house they are planted, how far apart they're planted from each other, and what specific species you buy.
For example, if you're buying a tree primarily for the purpose of shade, you'll probably want something that grows both tall and wide, and you should avoid planting it directly south of your house, as a tree planted directly south will offer the most shade in winter, which is counterproductive. Likewise, evergreens are best placed to the north and northwest, where they offer year-round protection from wind.
When in doubt, talk to an arborist. If you haven't decided what purpose your trees will serve yet but know roughly where you want them to go, an arborist can make recommendations for you. If the arborist can't see your home, bring pictures of your property to help. Reach out to residential tree care services to learn more today.
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