Your sparse-looking backyard won’t motivate you to spend time at home, so you might want to bring it to life. Learn how to plant a tree in it and give it a fresh start.
A tree in your garden may seem bulky and ill-placed, but it is the best way to renew it. We will tell you why you should go-green with trees and share which are suitable for planting. Then, we will provide a full guide to planting a tree yourself.
Why should you plant trees?
First of all, trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. They enhance air quality by taking in toxins from the air and trapping pollen. Do note that some trees give off a lot of dust during the summer months.
Also, we create shade for ourselves and the animals around us when we plant trees. A row of trees gives a windbreak and regulates the climate.
Planting trees strategically around buildings can reduce air conditioning costs during the summer months and heating costs during wintertime. Furthermore, thy increase the property value of a home.
Trees offer shelter to local wildlife. They hold soil in place, preventing soil erosion. Besides storing rainwater, they help to decrease sediment. Their roots stop chemicals from seeping into the water.
Trees improve your mood. They relax you and improve your heart rate. They evoke pleasant memories of our childhoods and indicate seasonal change.
What to Consider When Choosing a Suitable Tree to Plant
Planting a tree requires a lot of thought. You’d have to consider the kind of tree you’d want to plant and where to plant it.
1. Goals
Consider why you’d wish to have a tree in your garden. Do you need it for shade? Would it screen out excess sunlight? Do you want some fruit? Have all this in mind before growing a tree.
2. Property limitations
You will need to think about space and how much of it you have available. The roots shouldn’t block underground pipes either.
3. What is the function of the plant?
Do you need a tree to shade your garden? Would you want dense or filtered shade? If you need only summer screening, a deciduous tree that drops foliage will do. Should you need it to screen sunlight throughout the year, choose a tree that doesn’t lose its leaves during the winter.
4. How long would you need the plant?
Consider how long the plant will live. If you intend to alter your garden landscape often, a plant that lasts too long may not suit your needs.
Common trees for planting in backyards
It’s no mean feat to grow a tree. It can take years before you realize that the one you planted years ago is now either usurping space or is too tall. You may find these recommendations useful.
1. Eastern Redbud
You know that it is spring when the eastern redbud flowers. Its purple-pink blooms are the first sign of the season. It is also a relatively small tree that reaches about 20 feet. Though small, it packs a punch and spruces up any backyard.
2. Saucer Magnolia
No, the Saucer Magnolia isn’t an unidentified flying object that carries aliens. Far more attractive, its publish pink flowers are a show stopper during the Spring and Summer. However, you must have a relatively large backyard because it grows to about 30 feet.
3. Sugar Maple
The colors of fall soothe the eyes. Deep red Autumn Leaves always please the senses. Sugar maple is a tree that has red leaves which will color your garden. Like the tulip tree, it gives shade and decorates the backyard.
4. Tulip Tree
The tulip tree has a dual purpose, serving as both a shade tree and an ornamental plant. It is a durable, fast-growing Hardwood plant. It’s also large and can grow up to two feet a year. The tulip tree is easy to tend to because it isn’t a pest haven. It is an ideal choice for many backyards, but you must be ready for its height.
5. Dogwood Tree
A dogwood tree enlivens any garden. Part of its charm that fl flowers during the Spring season. It’s red, pink, and white make some of the prettiest foliage that you can find. Dogwood trees often display red plumes during the Spring and Summer. Witness their elegance during the Fall season when they shed their red flowers and show off Slender branches catch the eye.
6. Silver Maple
The silver maple tree reaches its full height in as short a time as five years. The reason for its name is apparent – its leaves give the tree a Silver silhouette. Remember that it has a vast root network, show remember to plant away from your pavement or driveway.
7. Green Giant Arborvitae
Privacy is a rare commodity these days, with housing subdivisions Rapidly shrinking. Green Giant Arborvitae is a much-needed screen for a backyard. It thrives in any soil. You will also appreciate its conical shape, which gives it a well-trimmed appearance.
8. Red Oak
Few trees have leaves with a distinct color like the Red Oak. It is bull, lasting and beautiful. But it’s also humongous at 75 feet. Grow it if you have a fenceless yard that requires shade.
9. Weeping Cherry
Super Bowl for youThe weeping cherry conjures romantic images with its cascading leaves and branches. A tree with such grace quickly becomes the focus of any garden. At 20 feet, it can fit in a relatively large backyard.
10. American Holly
The American holly gives you privacy throughout the year. If you want to keep your backyard clutter-free and have only one ornamental focus, this is the plant you must grow. The white spring blossoms turn into cherries, making it an ideal home for bird species.
How to Plant a Tree in 7 Simple Steps
Now that you’ve decided to plant a tree and know which complements your backyard, it’s time to find out how to do it. Here is the planting process in 7 steps.
1. Mark the position
First, indicate where you want to plant your tree. You may not be a fan of being meticulous, but this is the time to be exacting. Missing the planting position by just a few feet may mean having tree roots destroy the sidewalk. Consider power lines and the location of your home. Use special marking paint for this. It comes in a container with a downward-pointing nozzle.
2. Measure the root ball
Then, measure the root ball of the plant. The size will tell you how deep to dig the hole. Remove the burlap, or the part of the root nearest the trunk. Take away the top part of the soil from the root ball. Expose only the root flare. Measure the height and width of the ball of the root and this.
3. Digging the hole
Create a hole that’s about as deep as what you’ve measured, but two to three times wider. The gap should have a small Pete Mobile pedestal for the tree to rest. Measure it again to see if it’s wide enough. Sprinkle phosphate to develop healthy roots.
4. Place the tree in the hole
Put the tree gently into the hole. Ensure that it isn’t too deep or shallow. Don’t bury the plant where the stem changes into the root. You do not want to expose the plant. Remember that how you place the tree determines how it grows.
5. Put your tree in place
Once you have done this, remove the burlap. Keep the tree as upright as possible. Use stakes if necessary.
6. Fill the hole again
Refill the hole with compost. Don’t use manure that smells because it may harm the tree. Make sure that there are no air pockets around the roots. Proceed gently so as not to damage the plant.
7. Caring for the tree
Cover the plant with two to three centimeters of hardwood. Mulch or Hardwood protects the tree from destruction. Prune the tree as it grows.
In a nutshell, you can see from the above that it’s not that difficult to plant a tree and requires just a few quick stages. Use our guide to get one to grow in your backyard. It will provide shade for years to come and will help save the environment too.
