How and Why to Plant Trees

When we were living in Northern Ontario every spring and fall our morning would begin with the bird chorus from all the songbirds that were passing through. The area we live in was well treed and we had three in the backyard as well as a number of bushes. If you are a bird lover trees and shrubs are an ideal way to attract them and keep them.

Now if there was a situation when it was important to follow the right plant, right palce rule it is when you are choosing a tree or trees for your property. Pick the wrong tree and you may find its roots assaulting the foundation of your home. Pick the right tree and you will enjoy its many benefits for many years.

Remember that a tree’s root system can cover an area 2-3 times as wide as the crown. Also be sure you know how tall the tree will grow, you do not want a 50 foot tree in your 10x10 backyard.

It is not only individual properties that benefit from trees. A busy shopping district that has a tree canopy is a much more pleasant place to walk, stop and shop than one where the sun beats down mercilessly upon your head.

Shade is vital to protect us from the sun and schoolyards need shade. A few well placed trees can turn a hot unpleasant space into a shady playground or a palce t sit and read and what would a park be without a few trees.

Trees create homes for more than birds and many urban children has seen their first wildlife thanks to the trees planted nearby.

Trees act as a windbreak and can help cool your home in summer and heat it in winter. Trees can also act as a noise barrier and reduce the traffic sound from that major street that is all too near your backyard.

When you go out to purchase a tree it is important to buy one that fits in with your overall design and how you use your yard. Are you looking for a shade tree under which you can enjoy summer picnics?

Are you looking for a tree that will drop its leaves in fall after a display of vibrant colour, thus providing you with mulch and compost material? Or do you want an evergreen/

What is the maximum height and width of the tree? You will need to know about the tree’s root system how deep do the roots go and how far do they spread?

Ask yourself this is the tree’s primary function in the yard. Are you seeking more privacy, additional shade, food, or visual appeal?

What else do you plant to grow? Trees provide shade and this will determine what else you plant and where you will palce it. Trees are a long term investment. Do your homework before making the commitment.