Designing Landscapes with Trees: What You Need to Know About Kansas City Trees
Work with an Arborist Near You to Properly Care for Them and Get Help Selecting the Right Species
Wild-growing trees pop up in random places, wherever nature drops its seeds. But your yard isn’t a native forest, so methodical tree planting is absolutely essential for healthy, long-enduring, and beautiful landscapes.
Homeowners who fancy themselves amateur landscape designers have lots to consider when it comes to not only choosing tree species to plant, but where to place them in their yards. For best results, you must:
Determine your purpose for planting the trees.
Find a species that grows to your desired shape and size.
Ensure the species you choose can survive and thrive in Kansas and Missouri.
To fulfill each of these requirements, call our Kansas City arborists, who can answer your questions, source trees, and take care of planting for you.
Reasons for Planting Trees
Adding trees to your landscape makes it more beautiful and serene. But your goal for having trees will dictate the species and planting location.
Traditionally, these are the reasons homeowners wish to add trees to their landscape.
Add a charming canopy. Evoke the vibe of a woodland cottage by planting a whole grove of deciduous trees in your yard. To succeed, plant each tree as far from your house as the mature tree will be tall. For example, a 40-foot maple should be planted at least 40 feet away from your house. This reduces the risk that growing roots damage your foundation and underground plumbing.
Establish a screen. Block less-than-desirable views and gain privacy by planting a tree screen. This is a more effective visual block than a privacy fence, because trees grow much taller than six feet. Know that it may take many years for your tree screen to establish itself, so consider planting fast-growing species. For year-round screens, opt for evergreens planted about 12 feet apart.
Provide shelter. Create an allée effect by planting trees equal distance apart along the length of your stately driveway. An allée protects your driveway from inclement weather and looks dramatically elegant. For best results, don’t space trees more than 20 feet apart, and opt for column-shaped trees.
Create a focal point in the landscape design. A good piece of artwork has a focal point - a place in the painting where your eyes are first drawn. A beautiful landscape has the same. Isolate a tree among smaller shrubs, decorative boulders, and florals to draw attention to the area. Choose particularly novel and beautiful tree species to make the focal point extra special.
Get decorative with ornamental trees. Dwarf tree varieties can grow closer to your home - as close as six feet - without the risk of spreading roots. While ornamental trees still require regular pruning to retain their charming shapes, they don’t require any extra care, especially if you go with a low-maintenance variety native to Kansas City. Native trees are already adapted to our climate, so you will probably see greater success with their longevity and health.
Consider Tree Shape and Size
For every reason for planting a tree, there are considerations related to their mature shape and size. For example, if you’re planning to create an allée on your property, you won’t get the same effect if you opt for spindly, small trees as you would if you opted for taller, columnar ones.
When deciding how you’ll revamp your landscapes, research tree species to find those that have the aesthetic appeal you require to achieve your goals.
Opt for Native Trees When You Can
As we previously mentioned, native trees will be more hardy when you plant them in your yard because they’re accustomed to our climate and soil type already.
And, planting native trees is a great way to support local wildlife and insects also native to our area, who thrive living in or near these species. In short, opting for native trees is an eco-friendly choice you should make in your landscape.
How a Tree Arborist Can Help You Design Your Landscape
Once you’ve made plans to add gravel beds, decorative boulders, and perennial plantings in your landscape, you can contact a certified arborist near you for a consultation on an appropriate plant species for your lawn.
Kansas City arborists are well-versed in tree species and how they grow, so they can give you ideas on the type of tree you should shop for to complete your landscape. They also can use their connections in the area to locate the trees you want and handle work-intensive planting for you, too.
Hiring a tree arborist near you means you can make a more informed decision and enjoy healthy, strong trees in your landscape without worry or back-breaking digging.
Arborists are Tree Experts Who Keep Your Landscape Looking Healthy
Just like you’d hire a professional to take care of the important systems inside your home, you should hire a pro to take care of the outdoor areas, too. This is particularly true for the behemoth trees growing in your back and front yards.
It truly takes a tree expert to provide the best care, to keep them growing as beautifully as possible, and to ensure your yard is safe from damage that can be incurred by fallen branches.
Contact one of the certified arborists at Arb Tech online or via phone to schedule a consultation for tree care or tree selection. We’re happy to take care of Kansas City’s canopy.