Planting Flowering Trees and Shade Trees

Planting trees in your garden or yard is a great way to add beauty and value to your property. Not only do trees provide shade and privacy, but they also help to clean the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide homes for wildlife. Two popular types of trees for planting are flowering trees and shade trees.

Flowering Trees

Flowering trees are a great way to add color and interest to your garden. These trees bloom in the spring or summer, and their flowers can range from delicate and subtle to bold and showy. Some popular flowering trees include:

Dogwood – Dogwood trees are known for their pink, red, or white flowers, which bloom in the early spring. These trees grow to be about 20-30 feet tall and are a great choice for smaller gardens.

Magnolia – Magnolia trees are known for their large, fragrant flowers that bloom in the late spring or early summer. These trees can grow to be 30-80 feet tall, depending on the variety.

Cherry – Cherry trees are known for their beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in the early spring. These trees can grow to be 15-25 feet tall and are a great choice for smaller gardens.

When planting a flowering tree, it’s important to choose a location that receives enough sunlight and has well-draining soil. Be sure to research the specific needs of your tree, as some varieties may require more specific conditions.

Shade Trees

Shade trees are a great way to add privacy and comfort to your outdoor living spaces. These trees provide cool shade in the summer and can also help to block wind and noise. Some popular shade trees include:

Maple – Maple trees are known for their large, broad leaves that provide dense shade. These trees can grow to be 40-90 feet tall and are a great choice for larger gardens.

Oak – Oak trees are known for their strong, sturdy branches and dense shade. These trees can grow to be 70-100 feet tall and are a great choice for larger gardens.

Birch – Birch trees are known for their delicate, light-colored bark and dappled shade. These trees can grow to be 40-50 feet tall and are a great choice for smaller gardens.

When planting a shade tree, it’s important to choose a location that provides enough space for the tree to grow to its full size. Be sure to research the specific needs of your tree, as some varieties may require more specific conditions.

Tips for Planting Trees

When planting trees, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Choose the right tree for your space – Make sure to choose a tree that will fit well in your garden or yard and that has the right conditions for growth.

Plant at the right time – Plant trees in the fall or early spring, when the weather is cooler and the soil is moist.

Dig the right size hole — The hole size for a tree should be at least 1 foot wider than the ball and 6” deeper than the ball. Before planting the tree in the hole prepare a mixture of soil, peat moss or compost and starter fertilizer to back fill the hole. Place enough of this mixture at the bottom of the hole such that the top of the root ball stands 2 to 3 inches above the surrounding undisturbed ground. Now place the tree in this hole and continue to backfill with your soil mixture until the ball of the tree is completely buried. It is wise to compress the soil mixture around the ball to eliminate all air pockets. Now water thoroughly. This will also help to eliminate air pockets around the ball and give your tree a great start in its new location. To complete the planting of the tree place 3 inches of mulch on top of the newly planted tree. This will help maintain the moisture level that the tree will require to thrive. Watering modestly every few days following the planting will be necessary to provide the moisture the tree will need to survive. Discontinue the watering after 10 days and only water as necessary from then on. Over watering is the single largest cause of death for plants.  Do not kill your plants with what you believe is kindness.

Water and fertilize regularly – Be sure to water your tree regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize it as needed to promote healthy growth.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your new tree will thrive and provide beauty and value to your property for years to come.