I would like to just mention a few basic points about tree planting which are also appropriate for shrubs, groundcover and perennials. The specific examples I will give will be more about trees.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANT FOR THE LOCATION

Things that you need to consider about plants other than their ornamental characteristics are: ultimate size, potential insect and disease problems, sensitivity to wind, and soil moisture tolerance.

It is far more economical to do your homework on these issues than to wait and impulse shop at the garden centers. A plant may look beautiful, but may be completely inappropriate for the use you plan for it. In fact, many of the plants are brought in from milder climates and may be inappropriate for our climate.

Ultimate size: Do not plant a blue spruce 5' from your house that may now be 4' tall. In 20 years it will be 20' tall with a 20' spread and no you can't control it by pruning it back, not if you want it to look like a blue spruce. Actually it may be best not to plant a blue spruce at all (seen next item).

Potential Insect and Disease Problems: All trees have some potential to be attacked by some insect or disease (including constant bumping by a lawnmower which in the trade is known as lawnmower disease). However, we need to concentrate on the problems that cause certain species to start declining or become chronically unattractive soon after you've paid for them and gone through the effort of planting them.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to recommend evergreeen trees because of the frequency and severity of potential problems. I don't mean to pick on blue spruce; it seems to like our climate, but more and more a fungus disease called cytopora canker has been causing their decline usually from the lower branches up. There is no treatment other than nurturing with fertilization and proper moisture, but even these only slow the progression. Other evergreens to avoid: Austrian Pin - borers, 2 types of fungus, woodpeckers; Scotch pine (same as Austrian). If you have to plant pines, plant white pine, though it can have some of the same problems, it is a better choice. White pine, concolor fir, Norway spruce are the best choices for evergreens, but remember they must have good drainage and wind protection to thrive.

Some deciduous trees to stay away from are all the ornamental plums (i.e. purple leaf varieties), ornamental cherries, flowering almond , because of severe borer problems. Canadian cherry is the exception but can get much larger than you would want for an ornamental.

I could write a book about all the tree species and potential pest problems, but suffice it to say that if you already have some of the above species and no matter what plants you are planning, be aware:
Proper planting, mulching, watering, pruning and fertilizing will help minimize pest problems.

All trees prefer moist, well-drained soil. Some species, however will tolerate less than ideal conditions better. In the next article I will discuss how to improve poor drainage and proper planting in general. It is the same situation with wind. No tree species prefers to be beaten mercilessly with either the desiccating wind chills of winter or the hot dry winds of summer. Some will tolerate these conditions better than others.

For more specific information on the pros and cons of choosing tree species consult a certified arborist.

Rob Frothingham
Certified Arborist, Landscape Architect