There are many, many reasons why you’d want to plant a tree in your home. And even if you can think of a few, I’m sure I can give you several more! But as you can imagine, planting one in your property isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s kind of a big deal.
If you want to add a tree to your yard, there are some important precautions and considerations before taking your first step, but even after that, there are long-lasting responsibilities you will commit to. A tree needs a lot of love in order to grow and thrive for years.
But if you’re already here, we’re assuming this all sounds reasonable to you. So let’s get into the main event: the benefits of planting a tree, the best tree types, and the steps you have to take to do plant it!
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." – Confucius
Reasons to plant a tree
There are many great reasons why you would want to plant a tree. First, there’s the obvious aesthetic appeal. A tree in your front yard looks absolutely stunning, adding to your curb appeal and property value in one swing.
At the same time, the shade provided by the tree can be used to grow other perennial plants under it and even improve your energy saving during Summer. This means a tree can be considered a long-term investment for enthusiastic gardeners.
And oh yeah, some trees can even yield fruits, offering healthy snacks for your family!
What you have to consider beforehand
As mentioned before, planting a tree isn’t a decision to be made lightly. To plant a tree you will need to make some preparations and accept that you will have regular maintenance to deal with from now on – whether you’ll do it yourself or hire a landscaping company to do it is up to you, but it has to happen one way or another.
First, consider the space you have. Depending on what type of tree you’ve chosen (we’ll talk more about tree types below) they may grow to a considerable height – to the point of surpassing your home and requiring regular trimming.
The roots can also become an issue after a few years, as they can expand and affect nearby structures to the point of breaking concrete from foundations or driveways, for example. This accentuates how important it is to make sure you have the right kind of space.
Another factor to consider are obstacles that might impede the natural growth of your tree. Nearby structures such as your house are the most common cases, but also watch out for light posts or even neighbor structures that you do not own.
Choosing the right tree
The best way to choose the perfect tree is to start with native ones to your area. This will ensure they’re already in the perfect environment and climate, making it considerably easier to care for them.
But most importantly, research the expected height of the fully grown tree. A tree that’s not fully mature may take up to ten years to reach its maximum height, which is definitely something to consider. That’s more than enough time for lots of things to change around your yard, so you need to be sure to never create obstacles that may get in the way of your tree.
You should definitely avoid trees that grow too tall. Not only are these harder to trim, but fallen branches can, in some cases, damage your roof, windows, or even a parked car. Unless, of course, you have enough space to allow for it to grow safely!
When is the best time to plant a tree?
As it turns out, Fall is the best time to plant a tree! This is when most plants are dormant, so this gives their roots just the right time to grow during Winter, and then they can fully blossom once Spring comes.
That’s not to say you can’t plant a tree any other time of the year, you totally can – as long as you care for it properly. But Fall is by far the best time, so if you’re reading this as it was published, you’re just in time!
Ready to plant a tree?
If you’ve made your decision then it’s time to get to work! We highly recommend talking to a professional landscaper in your area to get familiar with native tree types and what’s the best way to plan in your yard. You will learn all about how to plant a tree, and these pros will also help you prepare the soil, find the right type, and plant it when the time is right.
Want to boost your curb appeal with a rewarding long-term investment? Then plant a new tree in your front yard!
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