Planting Trees in Landscaping Tree Planting Trees to Plant: Easy Maintenance  Planting Trees: Landscaping Planting Trees in Landscaping Planting the correct tree, when replacing a damaged and diseased tree, or just plain picking a new tree all together, can raise some interesting questions for the homeowner. When chosen correctly, a new tree will not only just compliment your landscaping project, a new tree can enhance property value, provide you with sweet fruit and nuts, or that cool shady spot you've been dreaming of. Here is a number of key points to consider before you answer that all important question, "Which tree should I plant?" 1.    What do I want my tree to do? a. Your tree can produce fruit or nuts. Properly cared for some trees can produce fruit year around. ( A Lemon tree )  Fruit                     bearing trees and shrubbery can attract birds and small animals for some added wildlife in your home project or garden.  b. The tree can act as a windbreak in open areas, or a screened in area to provide privacy when needed. The Evergreen tree,           thick with its densely populated leaves works especially well. c. Trees turn a variety of colors in autumn, adding spectacular color to your garden or landscaping theme. d. Trees create oxygen for the air we breathe, recycling carbon dioxide. e. Trees generally improve the view and overall quality of any neighborhood.      2.   How do I want my tree to look? Form is the next key point in tree selection.    a. Height, width, and how long the life span of the tree may be.  Many trees have the potential to out live the person who planted it. Is there enough room for the tree to grow to maturity? Take for instance other trees in the area. Is there enough room for root expansion without running into obstacles? Building foundations are often over looked.    b. Are there underground utilities, electric wires overhead, and below ground?                       c. Also be aware of clearance for sidewalks, driveways, and patios.    d. How many (if any) trees are in the area you wish to plant?    e. Does this space now lend itself to a large, medium, or small tree?  Choosing the right shape and the correct function (what I want my tree to do), can cut back on maintenance costs and increase the value of the tree   There are a number of sizes and shapes to choose from. Tall and skinny like the Palm, or the fully lush Weeping Willow. The space you have will help you determine what kind of tree needs to be planted, or no tree at all. A bush or even a vine may help in achieving your goal.            3. Planting Conditions   a. The area or the spot the tree is being planted requires the following points: • Soil Fertility • Drainage • Exposure to sunlight and inclement weather • Space Restrictions • Temperate Zoning  • Human Activity • Pest Problems Soil Fertility Success for maximum tree growth depends largely on quality and quantity of soil you may have available. Topsoil in urban areas can be compacted, due to high traffic, is frequently shallow and subject to drought. For trees that are subject to these kinds of stress, consulting an arborist for proper maintenance can help insure your tree can grow to full maturity. Soil sampling may be required to help adjust the soil to its full potential. Raising or lowering pH (acidity) in the soil by using fertilizers, or adding compost, manure, even sand may be recommended. This will help your local nursery attendant to suggest what species of tree will thrive best in the soil you may have available. Drainage Trees planted in a high drainage area, will be robbed of nutrients while soil is drained away. Lack of drainage can cause the water to rob oxygen collected through the roots of the tree. Many diseases are caused in this way. Dig a few test holes 12 to 14 inches deep and fill them with water.  The time it takes water to drain out will tell you if you have drainage problems. Time for water to drain should be no more than 6 hours. The nursery attendant or arborist can guide you in correcting this problem. Selecting a different space may be in order. Exposure Sunlight is number one. Some trees require full direct sunlight (most flowering and fruit trees) others require shaded or partially shaded areas. Dense shade is rarely recommended. Wind can cause damage to branches, knocking off leaves and drying the soil too quickly. More frequent watering may be recommended. Newly planted trees are especially vulnerable to these conditions. Not having a fully developed root system, new trees can be uprooted by wind, or washed away due to heavy rain. Space Restrictions Study the area for power lines above and below ground. Contact utilities service if applicable. Building foundations, concrete sidewalks, footpaths with buried stepping stones and other trees will be a factor. Don't plant a tree that will grow up to block a favorite view in coming years. Temperate Zoning A tree's capability to survive in a particular extreme temperature depends on how hardy your tree may be in a given Zone. Most gardening centers should have information on temperate zoning. Some trees can grow in cold and hot environments, while other trees require carefully planed environments. Checks into how "Hardy" your tree is for the area you are considering. Human Activity Tree deaths come from a number of complications. Vandalism, soil compaction, over watering, under watering and just plain ole planting the wrong tree. These five things are what kill trees more than disease and insects combined. Pests and Disease    The best way to avoid these problems is to select a tree that is most resistant to pest and disease. Pest and diseases are different in each geographical location. Your local conservation department, arborist or garden consultant should have a list of frequent pest and diseases in your area. Always read and carefully follow instructions when using ANY disease and pest control chemicals. Use natural remedies whenever possible. An ISA certified arborist specializes in caring for individual trees