Arborist’s 5 Tips for Choosing The Right Tree for Your Yard

beautiful walkway in the back yard of a home with big trees

Choosing the right trees for your yard can be a daunting task, but it is well worth the effort. The right trees can provide shade, beauty, and even fruit, all while increasing the value of your property. Here are five tips to help you choose the best trees for your yard.

Size Up the Growing Space

Before you even start looking at trees, it’s important to understand the space you have to work with. Measure the area where you want to plant the tree and consider the tree’s mature size. Make sure you have enough room for the tree to grow and spread its branches without interfering with power lines, buildings, or other structures.

Determine What Type of Function You Want the Tree to Provide

Trees provide a variety of functions, from providing shade to attracting wildlife. Consider what you want the tree to do for your yard, and choose a tree that is well-suited to that purpose. For example, if you want a tree that provides shade, choose one with a wide canopy. If you want a tree that attracts birds, choose one that produces berries or seeds.

Match Growing Conditions to Your Tree

Trees have different requirements when it comes to light, water, and soil. Make sure you choose a tree that will thrive in the conditions of your yard. For example, if you have a sunny spot, choose a tree that prefers full sun. If you have a wet spot, choose a tree that is tolerant of wet soils.

Think About Outdoor Living

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, choose a tree that will enhance your outdoor living space. For example, if you have a patio, choose a tree with fragrant flowers or interesting foliage that will provide a beautiful backdrop. If you have a pool, choose a tree with leaves that are easy to clean up.

When choosing the best trees for your yard, it’s important to keep water in mind. Different trees have different watering needs, so consider the amount of rainfall and irrigation your yard receives before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to choose drought-resistant trees if you live in an area with low rainfall.

Additionally, consider the location of the tree in your yard and how it will affect the surrounding plants and grass. Planting a tree near a water source or in a location with good drainage can help ensure that it gets the hydration it needs to thrive. Lastly, consider the mature size of the tree and make sure it will have enough space to grow without causing any issues.

To ensure that the trees in your yard are well-suited to their surroundings and will thrive for years to come, consider the size of the growing space, the function you want the tree to serve, the tree’s preferred growing conditions, how the tree will fit in with your outdoor living plans, and whether it will be able to withstand winter in your area. By following these 5 tips and taking a bit of time to plan and consider your options, you can create a visually appealing and functional outdoor space that will add value to your home and enhance your quality of life.

If you need any help or assistance with this or any other related tree matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our arborists in Burbank and we’ll gladly help you with whatever the task at hand is. You can see our full service area if you live outside of Burbank.

Check out our other blog posts for more useful tree care tips and information.