Tree planting is a part of landscaping that seems to be getting lost in our current planting design culture. One of the greatest parts about New Orleans is the live oak trees cascading over the streets and shading peoples yards from the western sun. If we do not continue to plant live oaks moving forward there will be generations that miss out on this very important design point. Live oaks are just one small example.
Art Plotnik lists 8 great reasons to plant trees in The Urban Tree Book:
1. Trees reduce sound pollution
2. Produce oxygen
3. Store carbon
4. Clean the air
5. Provide shade
6. Reduce wind
7. Reduce erosion
8. Increase property values.
Planting and caring for a tree both enriches your quality of life and improves your health, so let The Garden Gates Landscape Company get you started! When choosing a tree for your yard, you must consider the following: climate, soil, site size, drainage, personal taste, and proximity to buildings, sidewalks, utilities, septic systems, and power lines. The best time to plant a tree is in spring or early fall, however, in the south, planting can also take place during the winter months. If the tree is bare-rooted it should be planted after December 15 and before March 31. Newly planted trees need time to root and acclimatize in moderate temperatures and rainfall levels before trying to survive intense summer and/or winter
temperatures. If the the tree is root-balled or wrapped in burlap, it can be planted during any season due to the extra protection of the roots.
If you can’t decide what kind of tree you’d like to plant in your yard, The Garden Gates considers the following the best yard trees based on their potential habits and growth: Red Maple, Red and White Oak, Sycamore, American Elm, River Birch, American Holly Varieties, Redbud, Conifers, Magnolia Grandiflora, Live Oak, Crape Myrtle, and Sweet Olive.
If you have a small yard, however, the following trees are more suitable: Eastern Redbud, Golden Rain Tree, Hedge Maple, Japanese Magnolia, Japanese Maple, and Little Gem Magnolia. Remember, planting the tree is just the beginning! For at least a year you will need to diligently weed, mulch, water, fertilize, and protect your new tree.
The first year is critical, but The Garden Gates Landscape Company will help you through it!
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