1. The Purpose

You may find yourself staring at an empty space in the yard and think “oh we need a tree here,” but what problem are you actually trying to solve? Do you really just need a tree? A tall woody structure to fill a space in your yard? Or perhaps what you are genuinely in search of is more opportunities to enjoy your front porch in the morning when the sun shines down on your door. Or maybe your landscape is void of seasonal celebration and some fall color is what you need. Or potentially the kids need a place to hang their tire swing and get their kites stuck. Whatever the problem you face, focus on finding purpose for your purchase. Do not simply select a tree, select a solution.

2. Site Exposure

Is it full sun? Full shade? A combination? Are there over-story trees already present? Or is the space vacant? The exposure of your potential tree is a very important thing to consider. Why waste time, money and energy on purchasing and planting a tree that will not thrive in the space provided. With a little research or the help of a knowledgable Purple Polo, the correct tree can be selected.

3. Soil Conditions

Now that you’ve considered how your tree will be affected from above, time to take a look below. Soil conditions are another very important thing to consider while selecting a tree. Soil can be too wet or too dry, or have large amounts of clay or rock. Examining the soil and consulting an expert are important steps to insure the success of your landscape solution (tree). Select a tree that will respond well to the existing soil conditions.

4. Diversity

Ever heard the expression don’t put all your eggs in the same basket, well at Kinghorn Gardens we say, don’t plant all your trees in the same cultivar. (Actually I just made that up for the purpose of this blog but hey it gets the point across). Popular is not always best. Just because there are seventy five other ash trees in the neighborhood doesn’t mean you should make it eighty. Homeowners aren’t the only ones that like popular trees; insects and diseases spread easier among mass species plantings. Switch it up and find a more diverse cultivar to treasure. Incorporating diversity in your landscape gives you multiple opportunities for a thriving tree. If one out of six different specimens don’t love your site, you still have five awesome additions to the landscape, but if all six are identical, you will regret your decision.

5. Trees Grow

Trees Grow. Yes this face-palm fact is something you need to consider. Most likely you will be shopping for trees that are only 3-8 years old. They still have a lot of growing and maturing to do. Some trees branch out faster than others so they look like the stereotypical “tree” that we’ve come to know and love. But there are also many varieties that look less impressive at the start that would still make an excellent addition to your landscape! Don’t forget that while you are walking the nursery yard.

6. Package Method

New trees come packaged in three different ways. Bare root, which is just that, a bare tree with no soil attached, B&B, which means balled and burlapped, trees are scooped out of the ground, roots and all and burlap is placed around the soil/root ball, and container. There are pros and cons to each but the driving force behind selecting between the three is price and availability.

Bare Root – most cost effective but must be planted in a timely manner

B&B – heavier to handle but soil protects roots and offers more flexibility in planting and options regardless of size.

Container – one of the newer and more progressive production methods. Generally easier to handle and a well grown container tree allows one to purchase the entire root system reducing transplant concerns.

Remember these six things next time you’re adding an arbor to your abode. If you have any more questions or after considering 1-6, still have no idea which tree to select, give the Purple Polos a call at 402-457-6492.