Choosing Trees: Making the Right Tree Choice

When selecting a tree for planting it is important you choose the correct tree for area you are planting.

The tree or shrub should be selected carefully, as the wrong tree in the wrong place is a potential waste of tree, time and money.

There are several considerations in choosing trees for your specific garden or planting needs.

Things that will affect Choice of Tree:

type and species of tree,
position of tree,
watering,
soil type,
feeding,
local weather conditions,
staking.

After a suitable tree and position have been chosen, appropriate soil can be sought. Locally bought specimens are usually the most successful as soil type and weather conditions are going to be similar and aftercare advice is easily obtained. Specific feeding and watering may be required and staking if in an exposed position. Formative pruning is light pruning done to ensure the tree grows with good ‘form’.

Making Good Tree Choice & New Tree Maintenance

Making the right tree choice is important because the wrong species of tree will have to be constantly pruned and maintained. This will be stressful to the tree, expensive to the owner and time consuming. Furthermore, the right tree in the right place can really enhance a garden or property. Choosing the right tree can be done by visiting gardens or public gardens, viewing specimens and noting sizes and shapes.

The Position of a tree is important for safety, convenience and aesthetics. Trees can get in the way if planted in the wrong place (ie. in proximity to driveways, buildings, or lawns.) Trees can also be useful when positioned correctly and planted in good places. For examples providing privacy from neighbouring properties or gardens, or blocking noise from the road.

Watering after planting should, be done twice a day in the summer and once a day in the winter. It is important not to underwater, or to overwater the tree after planting because the roots will rot if the ground is waterlogged or will crumble if the rots are too dry. Depending on the type of tree you can water with a watering can or a hose.

Soil Type when planting a tree, is an essential consideration as poor soil will lead to poor growth of the tree. Some trees prefer acidic soil whilst other prefer alkaline. Clay soils are more acidic and chalk soils are more alkaline. Choose a tree that is more suited to the soil type of your garden. Supplement soils can be bought at garden centres and this can greatly improve the trees chances of survival. Trees types that have deep roots may suit clay soils as chalk is harder to penetrate.

Feeding can greatly improve a trees chance of taking. There are lots of different feeds available for different trees and plants. Tree feed enriches the soil providing extra minerals and can stimulate root growth.

Weather conditions are an important factor in choosing trees, as trees that are over exposed to wind will struggle and will become misshapen. Some trees prefer drier weather whereas some trees can grow out of water. Trees should also be planted whilst considering the direction of the sun. For example, planting with the broadside to the south will allow maximum potential sunlight. Likewise planting the broadside to the prevailing wind will hinder the trees growth.

Staking trees can be done in several ways, and needs to be done at the same time as planting. The stake should be positioned next to the main stem of the tree, but without entering the root ball of the tree. The main stem needs to be attached to the stake allowing a couple of inches ‘play’ in all directions, this is because the tree needs to develop its own anchoring roots.

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The tree should be attached to the stake a few feet from the ground. Stakes can be removed, when the tree has been established for approximately two years. If you need help choosing a tree then Douglas Fir Tree Care can help you, contact us for advice and a free quote.

Tree Surgeons for the South EastBrighton, Sussex, Kent & London