Every individual needs to plant a tree. Indigenous plants are the best for backyards as they are trees adapted to survive in the local environment. This way, these trees will need minimal care as seedlings and even as they grow up.
Many homeowners love having trees in their backyards. Trees beautify an area, purify the air around us, and also increase the value of a home. Again, while the tree can provide a great place for gathering away from the house, it can also provide you with sweet fruits. With every tree you plant, you minimize your carbon footprint.
Homeowners spend a lot of time choosing the best location for trees in the backyard and even using the right fertilizers and watering schedules that they forget to think about the tree itself. Trees have specific site requirements which is why you need to choose the right trees for your backyard.
Planting a tree is easy but removing that tree will cost you. Granted, you need to pick the right tree to avoid removing it in the future. Read on to learn more.
Choose Indigenous Trees
It is tempting to pick trees with the most beautiful flowers or trees that produce fruits but that is not the right way to pick a tree. You will need to consider the tree that performs the best in the type of soil and prevailing climate in your home.
You need to consider the amount of sun your yard gets every day and how many hours of sun a tree needs every day. You also need to consider the hardiness zone of your region and which trees do best in that region. If there are trees in your neighborhood that you have seen for so many years and they thrive well, these are the trees you should consider.
Again, you need to consider the drainage of your yard before you plant a tree. If your yard slopes towards one side, trees at the bottom of that slope will get more water. As such, only plant trees that can withstand more water if your yard has drainage issues.
Most trees grow on specific types of soil. You can conduct a simple soil test to determine the soil chemistry in your yard.
What Structures Do You Already Have On Your Yard?
When it comes to planting indigenous trees in your yard, you need to think about the future. Some trees do not grow past a few meters while others grow so tall so fast. In your yard, you do not need trees that will be a hazard in the future. You need a small tree that will give you shade as you enjoy the flavor of grilled chicken in your backyard.
If you only have a small space, choose trees whose roots and branches will not get too close to your house, other structures and your driveway. Some trees have roots that could interfere with plumbing and underground powerlines.
Consider the maximum height of a tree at maturity as well as the root space and crown spread. Trees need a lot of space. If you are not sure how tall or wide trees grow, consult your local supplier. Sizing the indigenous trees will ensure that none of your structures are destroyed.
Consider Plumbing and Power Lines
Look where the plumbing is on the ground and where the power lines pass so you do not interfere with either. If you plant trees under utility lines, you will need to prune then often which can make them less attractive and mean more trouble for you. Tall trees beneath powerlines are public safety hazards.
Trees spread their roots further than their branches can go. As such, you need more clearance to keep your plumbing safe. You can mark the underground lines by first calling your utility company to confirm where the lines fall before you start digging.
Plant Trees That Shine All Seasons
Some trees look great in winter but very unsightly in spring. When you think of seasons, you can pick trees that will look appealing throughout the year.
Evergreen plants are the best as they will always hold their beauty irrespective of the season. Again, you need to consider whether leaves that fall will be a challenge for you. If you are planting a tree on the south side of your house to keep you shaded from the summer sun, you need a deciduous tree.
Conclusion
Trees complement other structures in your yard. You do not have to remove other structures but instead position your trees in such a way that they do not interfere with these structures.
The main factor to consider when planting indigenous trees on your backyard is the tree to plant. If you can choose the right tree, everything else falls into place. To do that, you need to think about the future. How tall will the tree grow? Where do you plan to put up structures such as driveways in the future, how much tree shade will you need a decade from today?
When you plan for the future now, you will avoid tree troubles in the future. Trees provide more than just shade, the quality of air will greatly improve when you have trees in your backyard and your carbon footprint will reduce.
