Lawn and Landscape Blog

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The 2 Most Important Considerations When Buying a Tree

1.)The Goal or Purpose of the Tree

What do you want out of your new tree? Is the tree’s purpose to provide shade or privacy? Is the tree just ornamental and for aesthetics? Are we trying to attract wildlife with the tree?

Different trees are used for shade versus privacy. Shade trees tend to be tall. Often times shade trees are deciduous as well. Oaks, Maples, Ash, and Poplar are all common types of shade trees. Privacy trees are typically evergreen. Privacy trees are often conifers as well. However, not all evergreens are conifers though. So sometimes a non-coniferous tree such as a holly or magnolia tree can be used for privacy due to their evergreen qualities.

Ornamental and Specimen trees are used strictly to enhance the look and diversity of a landscape. These can consist of many types of trees because they are not intended to cover a specific area for privacy or grow a certain height for shade. Often certain specimen trees can be planted to coincide with various wildlife. For example, a customer who enjoys watching the squirrels run around the yard would probably want to plant an oak, hickory, or walnut tree so that the nuts can attract more squirrels.

2.)Long-Term Maintenance of the Tree

How much trimming does each variety of tree require? Does the tree shed twigs or bark? What kind of fruit/nut/seed does the tree produce? What are the potential pest and disease problems with the tree?

It is going to take a significant amount of knowledge about various trees to answer these questions. We recommend that our customers consider the goal or purpose of their tree. Our goal is to help to educate customers on any long-term maintenance considerations so that they can make a quality decision on what trees they want to install. We typically address these considerations during one of our free estimate and consultation meetings. If you are in Springfield, Nixa, or Ozark, Missouri, just give us a call at (417) 837-1578. We can set everything up to guide you through the tree selection process.

If you are out of our area, we recommend you find a local ISA Certified Arborist. Go towww.isa-arbor.com and use the “Find an Arborist” tool to locate an Arborist in your area