Thinking about adding a new tree to your yard or business? We think that’s a brilliant idea! Trees are an amazing investment that continues to yield returns for years and years. The benefits of trees are seemingly endless—they add shade to your lawn, which can save you money, enhance your curb appeal, prevent soil erosion, and reduce air pollution, helping to keep this beautiful green earth beautiful and green.

If you are new to tree planting, you probably have a few questions. The first likely being, how do you choose the right tree for your yard? To help you get the best possible answer to this question, we would like to direct today’s blog to this subject.

The Purpose of the Tree

Although it probably doesn’t need to be said, we’ll say it anyway. The first place to start is to ask yourself why you want the tree. Answering this question before you move onto other questions will ensure that you get the most out of your new tree. Below are some common reasons people plant trees:

• To block wind
• To cast shade
• To add beauty
• To provide wildlife habitat
• To mark an event
• To grow fruit
• To block out something unsightly
• To have fall color

Deciduous or Evergreen

Before you go about choosing the exact type of tree you plant, it can be helpful to first consider whether you want to go with deciduous trees or evergreen trees. The main distinction is, of course, that evergreen trees retain their foliage year-round, whereas deciduous trees lose their leaves every year. Evergreen trees are perfect for enhancing privacy and blocking wind, and deciduous trees are great for providing summer shade and enhancing winter’s sun.

Consider the Growing Conditions

When thinking about what type of tree you should plant, you want to consider growing conditions like 1) how much light your space will offer your tree, 2) the hardiness zone in which you live, and 3) the type of soil of your lawn.

Also, be sure to take note of how much room you have for your tree. This not only applies to when it’s newly planted but also after your tree has reached full maturity. As a general rule, you want to place trees at least 10 to 15 feet away from your home.

After considering the above information, you should then have all the information you need to pick out a tree. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a nursery, garden center, or tree care professionals. If you are in the area and need tree planting assistance, contact your go-to tree care providers!