When deciding to plant trees on your residential or commercial property, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. We have developed a guide for choosing what tree to plant dependent upon your individual setting and preferences.
It is important to consider all factors, including tree heights, amount of sun required and maintenance, before choosing a tree! Each of these factors can drastically affect its growth.
Keep reading for tips on choosing the best trees to plant on your property.
Before we start evaluating our options, establish your reasoning and desire to plant. Are you looking to create shade for your home or business? Interested in creating a barrier between neighbors? Perhaps you want a visually appealing tree that makes your yard beautiful.
Each of these motivators can drastically influence your choices, so keep these ambitions in mind while researching the perfect tree for your yard. If privacy is the goal, you don’t want to end up with a deciduous tree that drops leaves and opens that space back up every winter.
One of the first decisions to make before deciding on a tree to plant is how large do you want your fully mature tree? Even if you select a slow growing species, you need to consider the end result to avoid unwanted costs and problems down the road.
Why is tree size important? The fully mature tree needs to be appropriately spaced from all buildings and power lines. While it may take twenty years to reach that height, the tree will then become a hazard that requires professional service to trim or remove. If you are going to make this investment, it’s vital to think long term.
Trees are typically categorized in three main sizes: small (30’ or less), medium (30’-70’) and large (70’ or more).
Tree placement is essential for optimal growth and maintenance. Scope your property and identify any height limitations that would affect a fully mature tree. If your property is cased in power lines, a small or medium sized tree may need to be placed along borders.
Large trees are best planted in the background of property, offering shade to large areas and accenting tall buildings. Be sure to plant them more than 40’ from any power lines. Small and medium trees are great privacy barriers and can attract wildlife. They also provide protection from both sun and wind.
Trees classified as wide typically span to 40’, and narrow trees cap out around 20’. This is an important factor to keep in mind when determining how far you need to plant trees from buildings, roads and other obstacles.
Consider width when planning to place multiple trees on your property. Allot enough space between all trees to reach their full maturity. If you neglect this need, frequent maintenance may be required that still ultimately leads to removal.
Small properties work well with narrow trees, allowing you to still plant multiple without overcrowding the space. It is possible to plant multiple narrow trees in clusters as well.
All trees can be categorized as either deciduous or evergreen.
Deciduous trees lose their leaves every fall or winter, making them a great choice for energy efficiency. Providing shade in the spring and summer, they shed during the cooler seasons, allowing sunlight to reach your building.
Evergreen trees maintain their leaves year round. If you are seeking privacy or looking to stay cool year round, this is a great option. Arborists typically recommend planting these on the side of your building that faces north.
While most of the factors considered are above ground, keep in mind that the stability and health of your tree relies on what lies beneath.
It is important to research root patterns before making a decision. If you’re planting close to your home or business, look for less aggressive roots especially if your power lines are underground.
Strong rooted trees that grow close to the surface have been known to crack sidewalks over time, so consider a tamer, deeper root for planting along borders and streets.
Before selecting the type of tree, we need to determine the soil condition on your land. Since trees retrieve their water and nutrients from the ground, you need to choose a tree that will grow strong and healthy.
Four soil factors that influence tree growth drastically are:
Luckily, soil adaptable species are available for both residential and commercial planting. If you have poor soil, opt for a tree that is able to adjust.
While you might be planting trees to block the sun, make sure that your tree is receiving the adequate light it needs to survive. Some trees only require moderate sunlight and will be able to survive in almost any location on your property. Just be sure to check the recommended amount of sun before placing your tree.
You’re almost there! So far, you have:
There’s only one more step is answering, “what kind of tree should I plant,” the species! If you’re interested in beautiful blooms, be sure to keep that in mind as you shop.
Before you make a final decision, we always recommend researching which trees are disease prone in your region. Various tree diseases affect different areas of the country, but you can lower your trees’ risk of by avoiding species that are known to get sick.
If you live in Virginia, or similar regions in the Mid-Atlantic, we have some recommended trees.
Tree Species | Scientific Name | Height/Width | Soil Needs | Sun | Foliage | Notes |
American Beech | Fagus grandifolia | Large/Wide | Well drained, non- compacted | Moderate, Shade Tolerant | Deciduous | Slow growing |
American Flowering Dogwood | Cornus florida | Small/Narrow | Well drained, Acidic | Full to Moderate | Deciduous, Bright Red Berries, Small Flowers with Pink, White & Red | Beautiful foliage in all four seasons |
Eastern Redbud | Cercis Canadensis | Small/Narrow | Moist, Well drained | Full to Moderate | Deciduous, Heart Shaped Leaves, Pea-like Pods | Attracts bees for pollination |
Persian Ironwood | Parrotia Persica | Medium/Wide | Well drained, Acidic | Full to Moderate | Deciduous | Very weather resistant |
Washington Hawthorn | Crataegus Phaenopyrum | Small/Narrow | Well drained | Full | Deciduous, Beautiful Flowers & Small, Red Berries | Perfect for urban conditions and nesting songbirds |
Bald Cyphress | Taxodium Distichum | Large/Narrow | Very Moist, Acidic | Full to Moderate | Deciduous, Develops Cone Seeds | Fast growing, Trunks can develop knees |
Paperback Maple | Acer Griseum | Small/Narrow | Adaptable | Moderate, Shade Tolerant | Deciduous, Beautiful Peeling Wood, Winged Seeds | Slow growing |
Black Gum | Nyssa Sylvatica | Large/Wide | Moist, Well drained, Acidic | Full to Moderate | Deciduous, Bird-Attracting, Can Produce Wild Honey | Very deep roots |
Willow Oak | Quercus Phellos | Large/Wide | Moist | Full to Moderate | Deciduous Acorns | Great for shade; Acorns attract wildlife |
As we’ve covered, there are many aspects involved in deciding the type of tree to plant on your property. Make a sound investment by consulting with a professional tree service. These experts know the ins and outs of placement, soils, species, common diseases, the best trees to plant in Virginia and more.
If you’re in Northern Virginia, give Absolute Tree Service Inc. a call at (703) 969- 6207. You can also contact us online here.
Our team of certified arborists is trained and knowledgeable in tree planting and placement. Let us know how we can help you turn your home or business into a place of beauty by choosing trees for your property.
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