How to Select a Perfect Tree for Your Yard
Like any plant you may want to grow, trees have their own individual conditions. If you try to plant a tree in an environment that doesn’t support its growth, your tree is unlikely to grow well. It may grow slowly, develop diseases, and eventually die. That’s why you should do your research before investing in a tree to plant in your yard.
Environmental Conditions to Successfully Grow Trees
Sunlight is one of the main keys for successfully growing trees. If you plant a young tree in the shade of other, more mature trees, it may not be able to get enough light to survive. Planting a tree near a building or other obstruction can also limit the amount of sunlight available to it. On the other hand, a tree that is exposed to too much intense sunlight may experience a condition called sunscald. Young trees and species with thin bark are most susceptible to sun damage. Check light requirements before purchasing a tree.
Soil type is another important factor in growing trees successfully. Garden soil is made up of different types of organic matter, and the ratio between them can change the properties of the soil itself. For example, clay soil is nutrient-rich, but drains slowly. Sandy soil drains easily but gardeners need to fertilize more because of its lower nutrient content. Soil pH can also be a factor in successfully growing trees, as some prefer a more alkaline soil and others do well in acidic soil. Soil can be amended to make it more suitable for plants.
Moisture will be influenced by the amount of rainfall in your climate, as well as proximity to bodies of water, outside temperatures, and soil drainage. Some tree species are very drought-tolerant, while others need consistent moisture to thrive.
Temperature ranges need to be suitable for the trees you choose to plant. Check the USDA Hardiness Zone (see the tip below) to be sure that you are purchasing a tree that is suitable for the temperatures in your area.
Required Care and Maintenance for Trees
Ideally, you will not need to provide a lot of additional care once your tree is planted and established. However, certain types of trees will require routine maintenance to maintain their health long-term.
Nutrients are available in the soil from decaying organic matter, but may not be sufficient to support your trees. If your tree is growing slowly or losing color, a fertilizer application can help to encourage new growth.
Some trees also require protection from insects and disease. This usually comes from an application of a pesticide or fungicide. This is particularly important if other trees in your area are affected by these problems.
Finally, many trees do best with regular pruning. By removing some branches, you can be sure that your tree’s overall health is maintained and it is able to focus its growth in the way you prefer.
