How to Avoid Planting Bad Trees Around Your Home

4 Traits to Avoid in Your New TreeWhen it comes to improving curb appeal or just landscaping for the fun of it, there are a lot of things a homeowner can do with their yard. Flowers are always a nice addition, and shrubs can be a great way to fill in empty space. Aside from those, trees can also bring a lot to a yard or garden. However, just like with any other plant, homeowners need to be careful of which ones they choose. Many trees have bad qualities that are natural to the species but make them difficult to deal with. Here are the traits that homeowners should try to avoid in trees to make yardwork easier.

The Tree’s Size

Every tree has an average size that it will grow to, but when the homeowner purchases their tree, it will still be fairly young. When purchasing a tree from a nursery, it should have a tag on it that gives all the basic information, including how tall it will grow and how quickly it grows. Homeowners need to be aware of this information, especially if they’re choosing a tree that will be planted directly next to their home. A tree that is only five feet tall when it’s purchased can be over 30 feet tall in just a few years. For example, a hybrid grows 5-8 feet per year and can reach 50 feet tall with a 30-foot spread. This can be a huge surprise to a homeowner who picked it without reading any information about it beforehand.

The Tree’s Root System

Homeowners often don’t think about a tree’s root system and assume that they’re all the same. However, there are actually two main types of root systems: shallow roots that stay close to the earth’s surface but spread far and roots that don’t spread very far but dig deep into the earth. Homeowners need to plan the type of tree they use by first deciding on where they want to put the tree. If a tree with a shallow root system is planted too close to a patio or sidewalk, the roots can break through the concrete and cause a lot of damage that will be expensive to repair. However, putting a tree with a deep root system too close to the home can lead to the same thing happening with the home’s foundation.

The Tree’s Leaf Litter

All trees shed, but some shed significantly more than others. Come autumn, it can be an unpleasant surprise to find that the new tree unloads a massive amount of leaves onto the ground. Homeowners who don’t want to spend very much time on lawn work will want to prioritize a species of tree that doesn’t produce very much leaf litter. On the other hand, homeowners who love to see picturesque autumn scenes may not mind extra leaves on the ground. It’s just a matter of the homeowner being aware of what they’re getting before they get it.

The Tree’s Ability to Attract Pests

All trees will attract insects and small animals, but some trees are known to attract pest infestations that are a danger to the life of the tree. One of the most common examples of this is seen in ash trees. Ash trees are known to attract the emerald ash borer, a small insect that kills ash trees by digging into them and preventing the tree from transporting water throughout its system. The homeowner will want to do their research beforehand to make sure the tree they’re buying isn’t going to attract any such pests.

Choosing a new tree for a yard or garden can give the space a new look, and it’s always exciting to go out to the nursery and choose one by hand. Keeping these things in mind can help homeowners choose the tree that is right for their needs.

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