I get a fair amount of calls throughout the year about trees in home lawns and recreational sights not doing well. As a homeowner, it’s frustrating when you put time, energy, and money to grow a plant and it doesn’t thrive. When that plant happens to be a tree, it can be more than a nuisance, it can be dangerous to people and property.
One reason trees sometimes do not perform well in a given spot is because they should not have been planted in that spot to begin with. Trees planted in the wrong location can cause property damage and are difficult to maintain. Many a homeowner has planted a tree expecting it to grow to 10-15 ft, then had problems when it grew to over 30 ft.
When thinking about planting the right tree in the right spot, consider the purpose of the tree. Is it to provide shade, create privacy, add to the landscape, or enhance wildlife? What are the soil conditions in your area and is the tree able to grow in that soil type? Deep, fertile, well-drained soils are not always plentiful on developed home sites.
When selecting a tree to plant, consider the growing space both above and below the ground. Sewer lines or septic tanks clogged by roots are no fun to deal with. Neither are power lines affected by trees that grew taller than expected. If the tree has to be topped to fit the area, it probably should not have been planted there to begin with.
One thing that is easily overlooked is the fruit, seed, and leaves produced by some trees. While beneficial for wildlife, acorns and walnuts are annoying when mowing. Seed from species such as maples, and yellow poplar can easily sprout and become weeds in flower beds and lawns. Leaves from nearby trees can clog gutters and make a mess in swimming pools. This doesn’t mean you should never plant trees around your home, but there are challenges to be aware of and think through before purchasing and planting.
A final consideration is how much maintenance will be needed. Many of the fast growing trees planted for privacy have weak limbs that require cleanup after a storm. Will you have to prune the tree to keep it away from a home or driveway? Will it need watering during dry weather? Asking these questions on the front end will save headaches down the road.
In the right location, the right trees can enhance the beauty and value of personal and commercial property. The wrong location or the wrong tree can have the opposite effect. Work with your tree supplier to help you select the correct tree for your needs. Also, check out the tree and landscape publications at our website, smith.tennessee.edu.
Chris Hicks, UT Extension 615-735-2900
