Trees to Plant for a Grove Effect
Once, homeowners planted trees in their yards to supply fruit and nuts. Today, they are more likely to plant trees for shade, screening and sheer beauty. When grouped in a grove, the trees provide a natural and low-maintenance woodland setting that will attract birds and other wildlife. Located close to the house, deciduous trees offer shade in summer and sunlight in the winter. Planted farther out, evergreen trees can buffer wind and noise and ensure privacy.
Birches and Maples
One of the most popular deciduous species planted in groves, birches' repeated white trunks are particularly striking. Two varieties that grow well in warmer climates, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5b to 10, are the Japanese white birch (Betula platyphylla japonica) and the gray birch (B. populifolia "Whitespire"). Both feature fast growth to about 40 feet. Start the stand with single-stemmed whips, spaced irregularly from 6 to 20 feet apart on a north-facing slope, if possible, where the soil is likely to be cool. Mulch with shredded bark. The brilliant red autumn foliage of the deciduous paperbark maple (Acer griseum) gives way to bare winter branches with reddish bark peeling away in papery sheets. Groves of these trees grow to 25 feet or higher in zones 5b to 10a.
An evergreen that makes an attractive grove planting, the shoestring acacia (Acacia stenophylla) quickly grows into a 30- to 40-foot weeping tree. Its common name refers to its long, narrow, drooping, pale-green leaves. Recommended for zones 8 to 10, its new bark comes in with a maroon cast. For a grove effect, buy 15-gallon plants and space at distances that equal less than half their mature height. Choose plants with different shapes in their containers for a more interesting, natural look.
Mediterranean native pines and olives grow tall and straight in zone 8 to 10 groves. The Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) is a fast-growing evergreen that reaches 30 feet or higher in maturity. Thriving even in heat, wind and poor soil, these trees produce dense, rounded crowns. Groves of olives (Olea europaea) also tolerate hot, dry summers, as well as coastal conditions. Though they grow slowly, they will typically top out at 25 to 30 feet. In age, the olives' smooth gray trunks become gnarled and picturesque.
Planting a Grove
Grove trees should be spaced just close enough together that the canopies will mesh in maturity. Never plant them all the same distance apart or in a straight line. That would ruin the effect you want to create of a natural woodland. Consider planting trees of different sizes and ages for a further random-looking stand. Though branches can overlap, each tree should be given enough room to spread comfortably. Since grass does not grow well under trees, you might group these in an area not treated as lawn but mulched and underplanted with smaller shrubs, ferns and wildflowers.
- Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book; Jeni Webber
- Fine Gardening Magazine: Planting a Birch Grove
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel
Mary Simpson began her writing career in 1968 on a Dallas oil magazine. Besides reporting and editing for several small Texas newspapers, Simpson has written for "Petroleum Engineer Magazine," "Denton Today Magazine" and put out an employee newsletter for a FEMA facility. She holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.A.in English, both from the University of North Texas.