Spring and early fall are great times to plant trees. In the springtime especially, most garden nurseries are fully stocked with lots of beautiful trees to choose from. But how to choose?
Maybe you’ve heard this phrase, “right tree, right place”? Sounds simple, but too often a tree that is incompatible for its location gets planted and as it matures becomes a big problem.
You’ve likely seen examples of the wrong tree in the wrong place, like a large canopy tree planted directly under utility wire.
Or a bushy evergreen blocking a window or front door.
Some less visible examples are septic system or water lines clogged by invasive roots or cracks in foundations, patios, driveways and stone walls. You can prevent these issues by planting the right tree in the right place.
What are better choices you can make, and how do you know?
You can move right to TAG’s 7 Questions for Better Tree Selection, or If you are brand new to tree planting, check out this short Arbor Day Foundation animation, “Right Tree, Right Place.”