An extremely frustrating part of cleaning up after a storm is having to deal with a fallen tree. It takes quite a bit of work to saw the tree into pieces you can manage and the haul them away; however, it’s even more painful if the tree that fell was a beloved piece of your garden, or the focal point of your entire yard.
The good news is, there are some things you can do to help ensure your trees are able to stand tall – even in extreme weather conditions. Use the tips here to keep your trees standing.
Avoid the “Fast-Growing” Trees
Chances are you have seen an advertisement or two for trees that grow quickly. They promise privacy and shade in just a few years. While all this sounds good, and it can be a pretty tempting offer, you should avoid planting these types of trees on your property if you want a tree that’s going to be strong, healthy and still standing in 20 years.
While there are some trees that can grow quickly, these are usually much weaker, and much more likely to fall than trees that grow at a slower rate. Unfortunately, speedy growth is typically synonymous with shallow root systems and weak wood. These trees can’t typically stand up to high winds, your kids, or the test of time.
Some of these fast-growing trees that you should avoid include:
- Bradford pear
- Mimosa tree
- Black walnut
- Sycamore
- Empress tree
If you really need a source of shade while your trees grow, only plant the fast-growing options as a temporary fix. To prevent the trees from falling, be sure they are removed after a few years. If you currently have some of these trees growing on your property, then it’s a good idea to go ahead and have them removed.
Plant a Tree in the Right Spot
If you want a newly planted tree to have the best chance possible of growing tall and strong, you have to plant it in the right spot. The fact is, where and how you plant a tree makes a huge difference. The right place for your tree is where it can reach its full size – for both the root system and the canopy.
Due to this, you don’t need to plant a new tree too close to a structure, such as buildings, curbs, or larger areas of concrete. All of these things can inhibit the growth of the tree and be damaged if the tree were to ever fall.
When planting the tree, make sure you read the instructions and place the root ball in the hole you created. If you don’t follow the instructions properly, your tree may not have a very good start to life.
If you need help with caring for or even planting new trees in your yard, it’s a good idea to contact the professionals. They can help ensure your trees get the best start in their new home as possible.
