Choosing a tree for your backyard ideas is something you should give careful consideration to. The right tree in the right place not only adds greenery, structure and height, but some will even give you flowers, fruit, or colorful bark. They attract and aid wildlife, and – being so big – add a soulfulness that other plants can’t offer.
But in order to avoid potential issues later on, time should be taken on deciding the best trees for your plot. ‘There is a suitable tree for every situation,’ says Tony Kirkham, head arborist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK.
‘Having estimated the maximum size that the space can accommodate and the conditions in the potential site, you can then go deeper into the tree’s ornamental attributes,’ he adds. ‘Trees have many features that we can enjoy through the seasons: for example, the leaf size, shape and color; flowers; fruits; and bark.’
(Image credit: Lana2011 / Getty Images)
Whether you have a small or large backyard, one that gets lots of sun or is often in the shade, there’s a tree to suit your outdoor space. Our simple steps on how to choose a tree will help you to work out what will be most suitable for your plot.
1. Consider What You Want the Tree For
2. Choose A Tree to Suit the Size of Your Plot
3. Think About the Mood You Want to Create
4. Consider the Tree’s Growth Rate
5. Bear in Mind How a Tree Will Look Throughout the Year
6. Don’t Forget About Wildlife
7. Opt for Container Grown Trees in Small Spaces
8. Choose Fruit Trees for Homegrown Harvests
9. Plant It at the Right Time of Year
10. Avoid Species That Are Too Large
What Is The Closest A Tree Should Be To A House?
Work out what the overall height of the tree is when mature and plant it three-quarters of its height away from the house. A large tree such as an English oak (Quercus robur), which will grow to 100ft, should be planted no closer than 72ft away from the property.’
Which Trees Add Structure?
Cypresses grow into columnar rockets and monkey puzzles have an open, rigid architectural form. Plus, some trees can be trained or cut into incredible lines and shapes. For example, lime (Tilia platyphyllos ‘Rubra’) can be pleached (grown into an elegant narrow screen) and holly can be clipped into pyramids or boule standards that resemble huge green lollipops.
And if you’re wondering how to choose a tree which will add structure without casting too much shade, go with columnar trees, such as white-flowered Amelanchier ‘Obelisk’ or ‘Glenn Form’ and pink-flowered cherries ‘Spire’ or ‘Amanogawa’. All of which have fiery Fall color.
If you’re looking for ways to add structure to a shady plot, there are plenty of trees for shade that will happily grow in an area of your backyard that doesn’t receive much sun.
Every backyard, no matter how small, should try and find space for a tree. They improve air quality, as well as being great element for sensory gardens, giving a mindful boost to our outdoor spaces.
Source: homesandgardens.com
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