Planting trees near your home has many advantages, and one of the most important is to provide shade from the sun. When placed in the right spots, trees can help cool your home, which helps lower utility costs, and they can protect your home from nature's other elements, including rain and wind. Another advantage of larger trees could be to provide a sound barrier if you live in an area that's near traffic or other disturbing noises. No matter what your needs, you will need to know how to choose where to plant trees in order to reap the most benefits.
1Inspect your yard for locations to plant the tree in. In order for most trees to flourish, they will need plenty of sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and opportunities to soak up rainwater. These 3 factors are absolutely essential when determining ideal locations to plant a tree.
Can you please put wikiHow on the whitelist for your ad blocker? wikiHow relies on ad money to give you our free how-to guides. Learn how.
- Check the mature height of the tree before buying--the height it will be when it is finished growing. Make sure you plant it at least this same distance from your house.
2Ask the store employee or gardener how much space the tree's roots will need to grow. Use a measuring tape to plot out its recommended radius where you want to plant your tree to ensure it will fit. Root systems on large trees are strong, and if you plant your trees too closely to buildings, sidewalks, concrete, or other structures, the roots may break them apart as they get larger.
3Consider strategically planting trees to lower utility costs. If your yard allows, plant 3 large trees, 1 each on the west, east, and north sides of your house. These locations can help to shade your house in the summer and block wind in the winter. These benefits can result in as much as a 50% reduction in energy costs.
4Contact your local power, water, and gas companies before you dig a spot to plant your tree. There may be cables, wires, and pipes buried in your yard, and you run the risk of serious injury or costly repairs if you cut into one of these while digging. Each utility should be willing to come out free of charge and mark off where its equipment is located.
5Plant your tree where it can provide shade for any outdoor equipment you use frequently, such as playground sets, grills, and decks. The shade will provide a much-needed escape from the sun.
6Place flowering or fruit trees in a prominent location. This is important if you are adding them to your yard for decorative purposes. Consider centering them in a flower bed or displaying them along your walkway for added beauty.Advertisement
QuestionHow far away from water lines should you plant trees?
QuestionIs curly willow dangerous to cattle if they eat it?Community Answer
- Yes, a single taste of a curly willow plant is enough for most fully grown cattle to seize up. The chemicals in the specific leaves tend to increase cattle blood clotting and can even cause aneurysms for them. The plant is, however, harmless to humans and can reduce constipation in severe cases.
- Larger shade trees can block unsavory views both ways. If you don't want people looking into your yard or home, or if you are looking to block a view you don't wish to see, look for a place to plant your tree that will block out the view.
- Trees that are planted on the north side of homes can effectively block wind. If you are looking to protect your home from the elements, consider planting evergreen trees, which stay full of fir year-round, on the north side of your home.
- Before you plant any trees, make sure you know how deep to dig the tree's hole. Understanding how to plant the tree properly will greatly increase the tree's chance of survival. You can consult the gardener or greenhouse employee for his or her recommendations, or search on the Internet for suggestions on your particular tree.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape