Picking the Right Tree for Your Yard
With summer getting underway, it might be a good idea to add some shade to your yard. There are many things to consider when picking the right tree for your yard. One main point to consider would be to decide if you want a coniferous or deciduous tree, which may just be the decision on how much clean up if at all you want to do every fall with raking leaves. You will also want to consider which will be waterwise in the long run, which will help your tree have a long healthy life. When trees don’t get enough water, not only can it kill them, but can be hazardous if it ends up dropping big branches before the tell-tale signs of it being dead. Picking a native species will give you the best chance of a strong long-living tree.
Different Types of Native Trees
There are many native trees to choose from for our area in BC. Doing some research into how big the tree will get, how much water it will need at the beginning and the lifespan of the tree, and if you want a leafy tree or needles that most species will hold onto all winter and not have bare branches. The difference between deciduous and coniferous is deciduous trees spread their seeds using flowers and have broad leaves that change color in the fall. Conifer trees spread their seeds using cones and have needles that do not change color in the fall.
Types of deciduous trees include:
Types of conifer trees include:
· Bigleaf Maple
· Red Alder
· Paper Birch
· Bur Oak
· Trembling Aspen
· Douglas Fir
· Sitka Spruce
· Western Red Cedar
· Western Hemlock
· Lodgepole Pine
How to Pick the Right Tree
With how many species of trees there are to choose from, how do you know which type would be the best suited for your yard? You could go the route of having the soil in your yard tested to see what the pH levels are, and which tree would grow best in it. You will also want to consider how close to your house you want the tree, and how far the roots will spread as they can cause foundations and driveways to crack. Knowing where any gas lines or water lines run in your yard would help avoid roots disrupting those and causing damage. If you are trying to become more self-sufficient, consider growing fruit trees. These also tend to be on the smaller side compared to the ones listed above, so this option would be good when you do not have much space and can be trimmed to stay smaller.
When you decide on which tree you want, make sure to look for signs of stress or disease and make sure you are buying from a reputable place that can give you the proper information. Make sure the trunk is straight and has well-spaced branches and is free from wounds or damage.
How to Properly Plant and Take Care of Your New Tree
Once you have chosen your tree and are ready to plant, ensure you have the spot prepped. When digging the hole, it will need to be 2-3 times the size of the container, or the root ball, and only as deep as the root ball. The root collar (where the roots join the trunk) should be level with the dirt, or slightly above. Roughening up the side of the hole will help the roots spread and penetrate the soil. Gently slide the tree out of the pot and put it in the hole. If there is burlap or wire, this can be cut away after it is placed in the hole. Gently pack soil around the roots until the hole is ⅔ full to remove air pockets, then fill the rest with water. This will help the soil settle, and allow for the hole to drain. Fill the rest of the hole with soil and make a ridge of soil around the root ball to direct the water to the roots. You can apply 2-4” of mulch over the area of the root ball to help avoid weeds and retain water, but make sure to keep the mulch 2-3” away from the trunk of the tree. Water slowly and deeply as soon as the tree is planted, and once a week, or more as needed during dry conditions. Once the tree is established, it will not need to be watered as much. Fertilizing and pruning will depend on the type of tree chosen. As long as taken care of properly, a tree will live for many years, add shade and beauty to your yard, and a home for wildlife.
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About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.