Right Tree Right Place

The right tree in the right place assures a lifetime of satisfaction, and keeps maintenance costs low.

Environmental Factors to Consider
In selecting a tree, your first consideration must be what the tree needs. In other words, what environmental factors limit the ability of a particular species to thrive? 

Minimum Temperature
The lowest temperature of the year limits the range of many trees. The familiar “hardiness map” has zoned the country based on average annual minimum temperature. Low temperatures, especially if they come suddenly, can freeze and kill the living cells in trees.

Some of the most popular trees for the Richardson area are:

• Pecan
• Bald Cypress
• Live Oak
• Cedar Elm
• Chinese Pistache
• Desert Willow
• Red Oak
• Vitex

However, many people like to select trees which are better suited for other areas. With proper care, such trees can also survive in our North Texas climate.

Moisture
Each species can tolerate wet or dry growing conditions to a different degree. Special attention must be given to your selection if the site periodically is flooded, subjected to very dry conditions, or is continually exposed to the drying effect of wind.

Watering, of course, can modify a dry site, but even when you irrigate it is important to know the optimal soil moisture requirement for your species.

Tip: Since evergreens give off water (transpiration) from their needles all winter, it is important that they are well watered in the fall before the ground freezes.

Also, do not overwater trees. They will “drown” if the soil is kept too wet. With heavy clay-type soils water no more often than at 7-to-10 day intervals during dry summer weather.

Light
Shade tolerance is the term foresters use to rate the light requirements of each species.

Tolerant species, like most maples, hemlocks, and lindens can do well in shade.

Others, like white oak, are somewhere in between and are referred to as having intermediate tolerance.

Don’t make the mistake of planting your tree where it is mismatched with its need for light.

Pests Every locality has its problems with a particular insect or disease.The best way to avoid trouble is to avoid the species that host these pests.In some cases, it is possible to buy varieties that have been bred for resistance to a disease.

Soil
Soil factors are probably the most overlooked when selecting a tree.

Soil depth, structure, and pH, in addition to soil moisture, can make the difference between success or failure after planting.

For example, deep-rooted species will need adequate soil depth for their structural roots, whereas shallowrooted species may do all right on sites where soils thinly cover bedrock or a hard layer of clay.

Tip: Local nurseries generally do not carry trees that are incompatible with the local climate. However, for site factors other than climate, it is pretty much a matter of “buyer beware.” Get the answers before you buy.

Tree Factors to Consider

The Tree’s Purpose
A tree’s function is the purpose you want it to serve for you. Some of the most common are listed here to help make sure you get the right tree for the right place.

Shade
This is why many people plant trees.

Trees provide a greater cooling effect than man-made structures because not only are the rays of the sun blocked, but water is added to the air through transpiration.

Observation is the best way to determine where to plant to maximize shade.

In the drawing, notice the difference between July and early autumn.

Plant for where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the year – and the time of day you desire the shade.

Size: A tree that stands out because of its large size will tend to accent.

Color: Planting trees for their spring flower color or fall foliage color is quite popular. While such color is often temporary, it is ail important consideration. Summer foliage color, while not as intense, can lend an accent element of longer duration.

Texture: Foliage texture can be classified as fine, medium or coarse. If a tree’s texture is used as an accent element it should be an abrupt change from textures that predominate in the characteristic landscape. Bark texture or picturesque branching structure can also complement an accent plant.

If you wish to have a strong point of emphasis, select a tree with 2, 3, or even all 4 of these characteristics.

Windbreaks and Screens
Low-branching conifers that hold their foliage are most effective for screening unsightly areas and providing privacy. Noise is best reduced by tall, densely planted trees with fleshy, broad leaves. if combined with conifers, some noise reduction can be extended throughout the year. Dust can also be filtered by such a combination. Windbreaks can be made most effective through a dense, step-like arrangement of both conifers and deciduous trees. However, for protection on south and east sides of a house, deciduous species work best because they allow incoming solar radiation in winter

Boundaries
Trees can help to visually delineate your property. Small, narrow-crowned species will do the job while not invading your neighbor’s space.

Size and Location
Available space is probably the consideration most often overlooked or misunderstood when deciding what tree to plant. Even for professionals, it is often difficult to envision the planting site 5, 10, or 20 years in the future. Yet this is essential. Before planting, know what the tree will look like as it nears maturity Consider its height, crown spread and root space.

Some of the problems below can be dealt with by subsequent pruning. However, it is ideal to plant your tree to do what you want it to do while at the same time preventing it from:

Crown Form or Shape
The character of tree crowns and thus the form or shape of trees varies among species as much as leaf shapes or bark patterns. Its shape is another clue to how well it will fit the space you have available, what problems might occur, and how well it will help meet the goals you have for your property.