Check City Ordinances
Clarke mentioned that the type of tree you choose can maximize return on investment. For example, “Maples like the Silver Maple and Red Maple are fast- growing and adaptable to various soil types. Oaks like the Pin Oak and Red Oak are long-lasting and provide ample shade, and Eastern Redbuds are really nice, small, ornamental trees that are easy to grow and add beautiful spring flowers.”
As part of the planning process, consider your neighborhood and city restrictions. Sons explains, “Some communities require permits to plant trees, and some even offer location sightings. They will not allow trees to be planted near power lines or water lines underground. As a general rule of thumb, this is important, whether or not there are ordinances, for protection against damage.” Her advice also highlights the importance of having utility locators mark gas, plumbing, and cable lines before you start to dig.
Prune Properly
Most backyard trees require pruning to maintain health and vitality. However, incorrect techniques can introduce disease or make trees vulnerable to weather- related damage. Timing your pruning is essential. Sons says, “The best time to prune anything is in Autumn, just before frost starts. You can also prune before dormancy ends, near March. In warmer states, it definitely needs to be in whatever month dormancy is in. For example, in FL, dormancy is late Dec-Feb, so always, as a rule of thumb, prune in the dormant season.” Clarke further explains, “For deciduous trees like Oaks, Maples, and Elms, the best time for pruning is during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. This reduces the risk of disease and allows for better healing. For evergreen trees like Pine, Spruce, and Firs, pruning is best done in late spring or early summer, after new growth has emerged but before it hardens off.”
Make Budget-Friendly Choices
An afternoon perusing trees at your local nursery can easily result in sticker shock. Trees are not a cheap investment, however, there are ways to maximize the value of your purchases. Sons recommends intermixing a variety of plants alongside trees. In addition, she points out the value of starting with smaller trees instead of mature options. She says, “Budget-friendly options are bare-root plants and small items, like perennials and ferns. They are much lower priced than those in containers and at a 65-70% price reduction, not to mention about 400% less on shipping costs. If you get them dormant, they are just as hardy as containerized plants and are only more affordable.”
Sons also reminds us to “Never prune too far back. Prune at a 90-degree angle to prevent limb rot.”
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