One of the boldest acts a gardener can perform is to plant a tree. Your decision will affect a plant’s growth and longevity for many years.
During a short period of time, even a single tree can alter the local environment, affecting the scale and growth of other plants in the garden.
Trees were often seen as emblems of eternal life in ancient societies. It’s true that the ones you plant now may survive your children and grandchildren.
Many people only have a small amount of space for something as enormous as a tree. How, then, shall we decide where and what to plant?
It is important to consider the placement of individual flowering trees in a garden in relation to the other plants there and to one another. Finding out what kind of trees are already there is an excellent place to start.
Create a site plan on paper, and be sure to note the precise locations of any noteworthy trees in the yard. Then make a list of all the trees that you find beautiful.
Finally, look at what you have and your wish list. You should start to consider how the mood and structure of your garden can improve because of the trees that are now there and those that you will plant in the future, either singly or in groups.
Trees provide shade. Plants like trees are essential to our survival. Plants that would otherwise struggle in your garden may thrive thanks to the tree’s introduction of a new ecosystem.
Trees are the best way to transform your garden into a quiet, personal retreat. Trees are a great addition to any garden.
How to layout a tree garden
- Choose why you want trees
Knowing your garden’s intended use can help you select appropriate tree species. Are you seeking some shade? Do you seek seclusion? Choose wisely if you want your trees to produce edible fruit and nuts.
- Apply mulch to young trees
After you’ve planted your new trees, you should first surround them with a mulched ring. Mulch shields the tree’s roots as it establishes itself in its new environment, promoting healthy growth.
Make a circular bed of mulch around the base of the tree, with a diameter of three to six feet. Remember this as you arrange the plants in the garden.
- Privacy and ornamental trees
Some trees are planted purely for their aesthetic value. Some, like the fall maple tree and the spring crab apple tree, add a splash of color to your garden. Certain decorative trees, such as topiaries and hardy palms, have distinctive forms that draw attention.
Closely spaced and evenly shaped shrubs or trees are ideal for this purpose. This is because they form an effective barrier between your garden and the rest of the neighborhood.
When properly spaced, cypress trees can form a beautiful living canopy. Shorter evergreens like Thuja green giants and yews are ideal for lining a short wall or fence.
- Shady trees
There are many ways in which a garden might benefit from shade. Not only does the shade help you stay comfortable during the day, but it’s also essential for the survival of some shrubs and trees.
Shade is necessary for the development of plants like ferns, bleeding hearts, and hostas. For this task, you will require trees with expansive canopies. Plant oaks, beech trees, and maples to provide needed shade in the garden.
- Cut down infected trees
It’s important to clear the garden of any sick trees before you plant healthy trees. Your new trees need more than just a spot treatment of insecticide if you discover an infestation or rot. Get them expertly removed.
- Location is everything
When planning a garden, finding the ideal spot for trees is essential. You need to learn how they spread their roots, how their shade can affect the rest of the garden, and what kind of light they require.
The finest action you can take is to picture the tree in its mature state. It will have reached its full height and root mass at that time. Locate it where it will get plenty of sunlight and where it will not interfere with any buildings.
How do you decide where to put trees?
You want trees in your garden but don’t know where to put them. Where would you recommend putting them for maximum efficiency?
Even a small garden can have room for an olive tree or an acer tree in a pot. You should determine the best possible location for the tree.
These lovely creations, after all, are not as simple to uproot and relocate as herbaceous plants. Trees are like the patio in your mind; they will always be there.
First, consider the viewpoints in your garden.
When you look out the window, do you hope to see tree plantings that serve as landmarks?
Why do you have them up? To hide something?
Does the tree pose a threat that, when fully grown, it will make your living room too dim?
Or perhaps you’ll plant trees all around your house so that you’re always in the great outdoors.
How about looking up at your house from the bottom of your garden? Perhaps from a seat in the surrounding neighborhood.
A professional garden designer will have all the answers to your questions about how to best use trees in the garden. Everything from where to put it and what to put around it to which species to pick out first.
How far apart should you plant trees?
Experts in landscaping advise giving small trees at least 10 feet of space and huge trees at least 30 to 50 feet of space. A spacing of 20 feet is ideal for medium-sized trees.
It’s commonly believed that close-planted trees must compete fiercely for available nutrients. Nevertheless, planting them closer together is the way to go if you want more usable shade from your trees.
Trees in direct competition for light will eventually grow closer together. This narrows the space between them to the point where there is sufficient shadow.
Things to consider when choosing trees for your garden
- Height and spread
Will the tree interfere with any power lines or telephones when fully grown? When fully open, how big will the canopy be? Will it overflow onto the street or into someone else’s garden? How much shade will it provide, and is it an asset or a liability?
- Purpose
To what end are these trees being planted? All-season color? The fruits of the forest? Do you wish to develop a center for wildlife? Could it be that you need a tree solely for coppicing?
- Ecological conditions
Is the tree you’ve chosen going to be happy in your garden? Determine the distance from other established trees, the amount of sunlight, and the ideal soil. If you are unsure, look around your area to observe what kinds of plants and animals are doing well.
- Space to grow
The placement of plants in relation to the home should be carefully considered. Even if your tree is still quite small, its roots and branches may eventually expand outside your home.
Might trees fall and damage cars or structures? What happens if leaves start to pile up in a neighboring pond? Will roots threaten my patio or wall?
What direction do trees face?
Branches on trees will extend in the direction where they get the most sunlight. Since trees need to maximize their sunlight exposure, the side facing south will always have more branches.
Start your tree garden
Even though planting trees may not seem difficult, it is important to know how far apart they should be within your garden rows. This will give your plants the best chance for a long and healthy existence.
Using trees in your garden design is a surefire way to improve the space. Trees are a great way to add shade and aesthetic appeal to your garden retreat. Pick your tree specimens, map out their locations and bask in your garden’s glory year-round.
Planting trees in your garden immediately raises the market value of your home. This is because they improve their visual appeal. Trees will provide much-needed shade for your pets, lawn, home, family, and pets.
They will also add beautiful pops of color to the garden in the spring and fall. Grow your own peaches, walnuts, apples, pears, pecans, and more with a nut or fruit tree. You can use the bounty in your own kitchen or take it to market.
The only variable is where in the world you happen to be. The good news is that you can grow a nut or fruit tree in your yard no matter where you live.