Landscaping classes on the proper placement of trees in landscape design

Landscaping Lessons-Proper Placement Of Trees In Landscape Design

Landscaping and landscape design goes beyond just creating beautiful designs. As a professional designer, its not only my job to create designs but also to envision every possibility of the mature landscape in years to come.

And while most elements will remain what they are for years to come, the one thing that most do it yourselfers and some professionals overlook is the space that tiny little sprouts will occupy when they become mature plants and trees.

Trees serve a number of obvious purposes in the landscape. Creating shade, wind blocks as well as boundary lines, noise reduction and focal points are only a few. Once I have established where Ill need trees for these purposes in a design, I have several other considerations before I can designate their permanent home.

Planting without considering the space that the mature full grown plants and trees will occupy can become more than just an inconvenience. It can be costly.

Things to consider.

Around Play Areas

A shaded canopy over play areas, sand boxes, etc. could be a good idea to shade your children from the afternoon sun. However, you need to consider the mess that birds and other critters will drop right into your childs play area if the canopy extends over it.

The solution to this is to place large shade trees a distance from the area in line with the travel of the sun. If you know the trees you plant and how far the mature canopy will extend, you can still plant for shade without exposing your kids to unsanitary conditions.

Around Pools

Keeping a pool clean is hard enough without a mess of leaves and branches. And while most pool areas Find out more https://tiny-medicine.unicornplatform.page/blog/low-cost-home-landscaping-tips/?nocache=59995 are sunny locations, it is sometimes desirable to have a space near the pool where one can escape the sun.

Unlike play areas though, you may not want to shade the entire pool landscape from the afternoon sun. Therefore, you shouldn't plant large shade trees in direct line with the movement of the sun. Design as to create a shady area to one or the other. This is also another spot to eliminate top rooting trees around concrete. Evergreen types are usually your best bet for around pools.

Roots And Concrete Footings And Foundations

While infrequent deep watering as opposed to frequent shallow watering will help deter top rooting trees, some trees are still determined to seek out other sources of water which may be on the surface or moist areas under structures.

The seeking roots of large trees are a powerful force that can break sidewalks, foundations, and even lift walls out of place. This is the most serious and most costly error I've seen. Know your landscaping trees before you plant them next to your home.

Under Power Lines

Know whats overhead.

Property Lines And Easements

This one can make enemies out of neighbors.

Underground Utilities, Sewers, And Septic Tanks

Besides the roots being able to break pipes and lines, you dont want to have to move or destroy a mature tree to fix a leak. Find lines and plant them away from them. Some trees can spread out more than they do up top. Know whats underground.

Perspective

You need to keep in mind the mature size of trees in proportion to the size of your home and other landscaping elements. Large trees can dwarf the small home and smaller trees could look like shrubs placed around a large home. Know the mature size of trees and keep them in perspective.

Hiding or framing a home

Consider the view from the street and other areas and consider the purpose of your trees. If you wish to seclude your home it doesn't require to think about it too much. However, if you only wish to frame or accent your home, youll again need to consider the mature size and placement of your plantings.

Parking Areas

Heres another opportunity for birds and critters to make a mess of things. If possible, plant your plants in line with the movement of the sun. And once again, know the mature canopy of your trees.

Usefulness And Cost Effectiveness

If youre going to make an investment in landscaping, look for ways to make it work for you. If they are placed in the right place, trees will provide shade to your home and lower cooling costs, and vice versa. You can designate shade for your garden, divide and screen areas, cut down on noise and a world of other applications if you just think about it.