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Landscaping with Trees
The Proper Use of Trees When Planning a Home Landscape
When planning a new landscape or making changes to an
existing landscape one of the most important
considerations will be the inclusion of trees. The
proper choice of trees and their location can make a
tremendous difference to the overall outcome of your
project and your enjoyment of its results.
When planning for new trees bear in mind the annual
cycle of the tree; how long it will hold it’s leaves,
what its colors are when in bloom, when it is in fruit
or full berry, and in autumn, when its leaves change
color.
Creating Contrast
Contrast flowering deciduous trees with evergreens;
slender trees that owe much of their virtue to the color
and line of their trunks and branches with trees that
are chiefly beautiful in mass, such as the weeping
willow or the new purple fringe.
If you are planning vistas for large grounds have in
your design a foreground, a middle ground and a
background. This principle even works well in smaller
landscapes. The background is most naturally composed
of large trees where you can use many of the species of
rough and irregular growth which would not look too well
at close range. These trees can give a gentle texture to
what would otherwise be an unbroken, monotonous
background.
In the foreground make use of flowering shrubs. Then, in
the middle ground, use the many medium-sized trees and
large shrubs which can be singled out for their
colorful foliage or blossoming.
This advice applies mostly to new planting. If you just
bought your property and you are thinking of taking out
a tree that blocks the view, or is otherwise
objectionable, it is wise to wait at least a year. Live
with the tree and observe it in its various colors
through the seasons and carefully consider its
advantages as well as disadvantages, remember that once
destroyed a tree is difficult and time consuming to
replace.
Aside from the esthetic qualities of trees, the two most
important ways they can improve your property are by
screening and giving shade. Are you overlooking a
chance to use one of the shade trees on your grounds for
a pleasant gathering spot? Put down some paving stones,
place a few outdoor chairs, and come summer you will
find everyone will gravitate to this spot.
You can also use shade for children's area, and if you
don't have a tree on the south, southeast or southwest
side of your house, plant a tree or two there. If you
are using trees to screen an unpleasant view, use
evergreens which to do the job year round.
In deciding what trees you wish to add and which you
should save, take into account their ability to thrive
in your climate and soil conditions. Also, find out
their growth rate. Often, if you have a new house you
will want fast-growing trees and shrubs that bloom
within two to three years after transplanting.
Sometimes, however, as in foundation planting, a slower
rate of growth is much more advantageous; it means the
tree and the house will not be bothered by crowding each
other.
Finally take into account the shape, color of blossoms
and foliage, height and spread of a tree. Avoid trees
that mess up a lawn or terrace with seed droppings or
insects. Consider some of the new Oriental and European
importations, and the colorful new hybrids. And don’t
discount the value of nut and fruit trees for use as
ornamental trees, for many are lovely, particularly in
the spring.
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