5 Tips for Choosing the Best Trees for Your Yard

Choosing the right tree for your yard can create an inviting outdoor living space, frame a view, or simply provide valuable shade and structure. Selecting the perfect tree usually requires more thought than picking out a few flowers for your patio containers. With thousands of varieties available, finding the right tree can feel overwhelming. Plus, adding a tree to your landscape is a considerable investment of both time and money. Use these simple strategies to focus your search and find the best tree for your yard.

1. Consider the Growing Space Size

The size of the planting area is crucial when choosing a tree. First, determine the width of the space where you plan to plant your tree. Is the spot near a building, fence, or other large plants? Measure the available room to ensure the tree's growth won't be restricted.

Next, evaluate the height potential for the location. If power lines are overhead, ensure your fully grown tree won't touch them. Also, consider if the mature tree's limbs will extend over your home. While a tree growing over a house rarely causes problems, you can avoid potential issues by choosing a tree with a narrow growth habit instead of a spreading crown. Lastly, think about where the tree will cast its shadow. Shade is usually welcome except in areas like vegetable gardens where you need full sun.

Trees are typically grouped into two categories based on size. Ornamental trees are smaller, maturing at less than 30 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. Shade trees are larger, often growing 30 to 60 feet or more in both height and width. Thanks to plant breeding, there are many exceptions to these general categories.

2. Define the Tree's Purpose

Reading tree descriptions is much like going through resumes. The first step in finding the best candidate is determining what you want the tree to do. The same applies to a tree in your yard. How do you want the new tree to enhance your landscape?

Are you looking for shade for a patio or outdoor play area? Do you need to screen a view or create a windbreak? Does your landscape need more color in the spring or fall? Are you interested in planting a tree that will attract wildlife like pollinators and birds? Make a list of what you want your new tree to accomplish in your landscape.

3. Match Growing Conditions to Your Tree

Start by noting your hardiness zone, which will help you narrow down your choices to trees that can survive the winters in your area. Next, take stock of the growing conditions at your planting site, such as light levels, soil type, and natural moisture. For instance, some trees thrive in loose, sandy soil, while others tolerate heavier clay soil. Many trees require full sun for optimal growth, while a few flourish in dappled shade.

You'll either need to select a tree suited to the existing conditions or modify your site to better suit the tree you want to grow. For example, you can amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and install a drip irrigation system if your tree needs more water than your area typically receives.

4. Think About Outdoor Living

The most valuable trees are integral elements of outdoor living spaces. An oak overhanging a patio can create a leafy ceiling, while a trio of arborvitae along a property line can act as a living privacy screen. Keep in mind that trees can be messy in and around outdoor areas, so avoid varieties known for dropping a lot of twigs, leaves, fruit, or seeds. Also, consider sidewalks and pathways, ensuring you won't constantly need to trim back overgrowing branches. Choose trees that will coexist well with your outdoor living space.

5. Keep Winter in Mind

Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in fall, have a different look in winter. Consider how your tree will contribute to the winter landscape. If you want year-round privacy, an evergreen tree is a better choice than a deciduous one. If cooling summertime shade is more important, then selecting a deciduous tree makes more sense.