When the builder builds a home, they start with a clean slate. This means getting rid of any trees that are in the way. Luckily, new homeowners then get to decide which trees they’ll plant in their yards. Even if you’ve been in your home many years, you can plant a few new options.
There are a few things to consider when you select trees for your luscious landscape. When you keep these things in mind, you’ll make the right selection for your yard.
Why Do You Want a Tree?
Different trees serve different purposes, so it’s important to think about why you want to have trees in your yard. For instance, if you’re imagining yourself relaxing under the shade of a tree in your backyard all summer, you’ll probably want something like an oak tree, which has a tall trunk and a bunch of leaves at the top.
Evergreen trees come too close to the ground. However, evergreen trees work well for blocking wind, so they’re a good choice if you live in a windy area. You might also be looking for trees to provide you with some privacy from your neighbours or trees that will attract wildlife to your yard. If you’re not sure which type of tree can suit your needs, don’t be afraid to ask for some examples.
Getting the Right Look
Naturally, you want trees that will look well with your home’s style. For instance, some maple trees have dark coloured leaves, while others have classic green. Some trees have wide leaves, while others have oval-shaped leaves. Some trees have beautiful flowers for a few weeks. Pay more attention to the different species out there to decide which ones you like the best.
Growth Rate
The downside of starting life in your new home with tree saplings is it can take a few years for the trees to get big enough to really appreciate. The trees you planted for privacy or shade may not be able to provide those things for several years. Look for fast-growing trees to solve this problem. A hybrid poplar tree, for example, can grow about eight feet per year.
Final Tree Size
Ask the landscaper how big you can expect the tree to grow. With proper pruning, some types of trees can remain small and ornamental. Other trees, though, can grow exceptionally large. Over time, this can present a danger to your home. A falling branch could damage the home; large roots could press against the foundation. Aside from safety concerns, having a smaller mature tree in a large yard or a large tree in a small yard can just feel unbalanced.
Potential Problems
All trees require some type of care. If you choose deciduous trees, you’ll have to deal with the falling leaves in autumn. Evergreen trees drop their needles as well so you may want to consider how much clean-up that will entail. Trees can also drop things like flower petals, fruit, acorns, and pinecones that require clean-up.
Finally, some people choose to plant certain types of trees because they attract birds or chipmunks. If you don’t want these critters in your yard, you should avoid the types of trees they prefer.
Community Guidelines
Don’t forget to look into any community guidelines in place regarding the planting of trees. While they might not specify which trees you can and cannot plant in your yard, there are likely to be rules about the height of a tree not blocking a neighbour’s view or pruning branches so they don’t go into the neighbour’s yard. These are often things you’d have to worry about with the size of the tree once it’s mature. Your builder will usually have some suggestions as to which trees would be best for a community.
Trees for Homes in Edmonton
Most trees will grow in a variety of conditions, but not all can stand up to the harsh winters we see in Edmonton. Choosing from a selection of common tree species in Edmonton will likely yield good results. If you want to branch out a little more, an area’s hardiness zone is what helps you decide whether a particular tree can stand the climate.
Edmonton is part of Zone 3, so you need to look for trees that fit that zone. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, spruce trees, sugar maple trees, and paper birch trees are some of the most popular trees for Zone 3. You can see the full list here.
The trees you select are an important part of making your home a comfortable place over time. Be sure to select trees that are beautiful and functional, and you’ll have a winning combination.
