Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 28, 1993 TAG: 9310270089
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-14 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Joe Hunnings
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Most homeowners make the mistake of selecting a particular tree and then trying to fit it into their landscape. A better approach is to first decide where you need a tree and what it should do in the landscape.
After you've determined the desired type of tree, then go ahead and select a species to fulfill those requirements.
Let's review some tree-related factors to make sure you get the right tree for the right place.
The tree's purpose
The tree's purpose is the function you want it to serve. Some of the most common are:
\ Shade: Trees provide a greater cooling effect than man-made structures, not only because they block the sun's rays but also because they add water to the air through transpiration.
Observation is the best way to determine where to plant to maximize shade. Plant for where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the year - and the time of day you desire the shade.
High, wide-crowned trees with deciduous leaves are the best providers of shade.
\ Aesthetics: Trees invariably add beauty to the home landscape, but with some planning this purpose can be served even better. One good principle is never put a tree where it will split your lot or a view into equal halves. Another is to use your trees to enhance the house and lot. For example, to give the lot an appearance of greater depth, plant on a diagonal line outward from the front corners of the house. This is called framing.
Trees planted behind the house and to the side will provide background. Trees also can add visual appeal to a patio, pool or play area; or they can be used to separate spaces and enclose space.
\ Accents: A tree with color or some other showy feature can be used as an accent point in your landscaping picture. Don't overdo accents. One accent plant in a given setting or "view area" usually is enough.
For visual accent, select a tree that contrasts with the characteristic landscape in one or more of these four design elements: form, size, color or texture. The more contrasts, the stronger the accent.
\ Form or shape: The tree's shape should contrast with the predominant landscape character in a setting. For example, when horizontal lines dominate, accent forms will emphasize the vertical. So pyramidal, columnar or upright oval tree forms tend to accent. Weeping forms also will accent, as they are uncommon to a characteristic landscape.
\ Size: A tree that stands out because it's large will tend to accent.
\ Color: Planting trees for their spring flower color or fall foliage color is quite popular. While such color is often temporary, it is an important consideration. Summer foliage color, while not as intense, can lend an accent element of longer duration.
\ Texture: Foliage texture can be classified as fine, medium or coarse. If a tree's texture is used as an accent element, it should be an abrupt change from textures that predominate in the rest of the landscape. Bark texture or picturesque branching structure also can complement an accent plant.
If you wish to have a strong point of emphasis, select a tree with two, three or even four of these characteristics.
\ Windbreaks and screens: Low-branching conifers that hold their foliage are most effective for screening unsightly areas and providing privacy. Noise is best reduced by tall, densely planted trees with fleshy, broad leaves. If combined with conifers, some noise reduction can be extended throughout the year. Dust also can be filtered by such a combination. Windbreaks can be made most effective through a dense, step-like arrangement of both conifers and deciduous trees. However, for protection on south and east sides of a house, deciduous species work best because they allow incoming solar radiation in winter.
\ Boundaries: Trees can help to delineate your property visually. Small, narrow-crowned species will do the job while not invading your neighbor's space.
Size and location
Available space is probably the consideration most often overlooked or misunderstood when deciding what tree to plant. Even for professionals, it is often difficult to envision the planting site five, 10 or 20 years in the future. Yet this is essential. Before planting, know what the tree will look like at maturity. Consider its height, crown spread and root space.
Crown, form or shape
Tree crowns - and thus the form or shape of the tree - vary among species as much as leaf shapes or bark patterns. The shape of the crown is another clue to how well the tree will fit the space you have available, what problems might occur, and how well it will help meet the goals you have for your property.
For help in selecting the tree to fit the characteristics you need, ask your local nursery or ask for Extension Publication 426-610, Selecting Landscape Plants - Shade Trees.
Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in Christiansburg. If you have questions call the Montgomery County extension office at 382-5790.
by CNB