Planting a tree is both a commitment and a lifelong investment. And it is also way more than just enhancing the aesthetic value of your property. When planting trees, the earth will celebrate with your graceful act as it contributes to its leafy canopy.
With today’s emergence of technology, it has greatly devastated the world’s greenery, losing tons of oxygen over time due to the emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Do you know that trees provide an array of environmental, economic and social benefits?
For instance, from providing us shade from the extreme temperatures and weather conditions, keeping our soil intact, protecting us from flash floods, etc. These are just a few of the many positive impacts trees have provided us with.
Read on to find out how you can positively contribute by simply planting trees in your backyard to the world’s climate change issue.
Benefits of Having Trees in the Yard
Trees are more than just their aesthetic or colours, they also provide shade and privacy to your property. Amazingly, trees provide a long list of benefits to the people and even to the environment. Planting trees are not only beneficial within the spaces of your property, it also has environmental, social and economic benefits.
Furthermore, trees come in different sizes, characteristics, colours and length. But it doesn’t matter if they come in different sizes and shapes, trees are straight beneficial to us and our surrounding ecosystem.
Increases property value
Besides providing us shade during the summer season, their aesthetic value will give you as much as twenty (20) percent according to the real estate estimates.
If you’re one of the homeowners who want to increase your property’s value, without spending a hefty amount of upkeep, then you should start planting a tree today!
Cleanses the air
It’s a known fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and in return provides us with breathable and filtered air. Indeed, trees are more than just their aesthetic value, it also gives value to the human-life form.
Prevents soil erosion and water runoff
Soil erosion and flash flooding are two environmental issues that significantly devastated other countries all around the globe. But let’s take it on a local-scale, planting trees will prevent or intercept gallons of water from devastating areas situated in low-lying land.
Buffers nuisance and other loud noises
If you live around a strategic neighbourhood, planting trees can help abate or buffer loud noises and other street nuisance. Planting trees are also advisable if you live near the airport or other strategic points.
Combats climate change
With the emergence of technology, industrial factories around the world have significantly contributed to the CO2 building up in the atmosphere. By planting trees, it helped in decreasing the harmful gases polluting the air. And we should all be part of this movement because we only have one planet that gives us life. Small efforts can go a long way.
15 Best Australian Trees for the Yard
Trees come in different sizes and shapes. And with each difference, they simply stun and create an attractive appeal that leaves us all in awe. Take a closer look at the following best Australian trees that fit your every preference.
1. Tilia Greenspire
With its versatility, elegance and subtle appeal, Tilia Greenspire compliments any small or large-sized garden. This tree makes a great screening plant if placed strategically either on your yard’s boundary or in the centre of the garden.
2. Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtle is popular among gardeners because of its enchanting flowers that bloom in the summer and early autumn. This tree is ideal as a centrepiece especially in smaller gardens and can tolerate hot and dry conditions. Crepe Myrtle requires a mixture of full sun and shade.
3. Chinese Pistachio
If you’re looking for a low fuss tree yet vibrant and full of colour–Chinese Pistachio best suit your preference. During the Summer season, its foliage gives off a dark green colour. And changes into crimson and copper during Autumn. Indeed, the Chinese Pistachio is the best seasonal tree of all time.
4. Callery Pear
Callery Pear is an ornamental deciduous tree that is popular for its pure white flowers. This tree can grow up to 15 metres (in height) and 15 metres (across-in width) which best compliments if you have a large-sized garden. Callery Pear requires moist and fertile soil but thrives in full sun and shade.
5. Blueberry Ash
Blueberry Ash is one of the best seasonal trees also that can grow for up to eight (8) to twelve (12) metres in height and three (3) to four (4) metres in width. This tree has lush evergreen foliage which later flushes in coppery tones and fades into a lime green before it turns to dark green as it matures.
6. Japanese Maple
This tree is grown originally in the Asian continent e.g. Japan, China, Korea, Eastern Mongolia and Southeast Russia. Japanese Maple is a deciduous tree that produces different and enchanting colours all year-long which makes it every landscaper’s favourite. This tree can grow up to 4.5 metres tall and 2 metres wide.
7. Globosum
This tree is a designer maple originally from Norway which is recognisable with its thin trunk, round and plump foliage. During the Autumn season, Globosum develops a golden glow making it look like a gigantic lime-flavoured lollipop. This tree can grow up to 5 metres with a maximum of 4 metres in width.
8. Crepe Myrtle (Natchez)
This tree shows off stunning seasonal colour tones as charming as the Crepe Myrtles. From its bright green foliage covered in plumes of white flowers to a glittering gold mixed in red and orange during the Autumn season. Natchez Crepe Myrtle loves great pruning every Winter.
9. Tristaniopsis Luscious
This is a native tree but it’s not popular with some people. Moreover, Tristaniopsis Luscious is indeed lush that shows off its glossy and dark green foliage. Its foliage will change into copper, then lime before it turns again into a lush dark green as it matures. This evergreen tree best serves as a great screen for your property.
10. Weeping Mulberry
Used as a feature or a structure, the Weeping Mulberry is a unique and vibrant addition that will significantly enhance the overall appeal of your garden. This type of tree quickly develops into a woody and contorted structure that if left to weep to the ground can create a variety of uses.
11. Corymbia Wildfire
If you’re looking for a tree that produces bold colours but doesn’t want them to grow into a deciduous tree like the Crepe Myrtle; Corymbia Wildfire suits your preference. This tree can grow up to 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide. During the Summer, the tree is covered with crimson red flowers which later turn into oversized gum nuts.
12. Corymbia Scentuous
An iconic Australian tree that gives off a lemon-citronella smell that will surely please you and the local wildlife and will also make an excellent addition to your garden. Its slender and evergreen foliage makes a great screening to your garden. You can grow this tree up to 7 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres in width.
13. Eddie’s White Wonder Dogwood
With its magical display of spring and rich-autumn tones of foliage–Eddie’s White Wonder Dogwood will make a great addition to your garden. The more narrow variant form of this tree can serve as a protection to your house against harsh winds and extreme afternoon heat.
14. Moss White Birch
For smaller gardens, Moss White Birch is going to be a great addition. Their elegance and fine-bright-green foliage casts a dappled shade during the summer and will turn into a brilliant gold in autumn. Their upright white bark is an additional charm that is perfect in a woodland style garden.
15. Cercis – Forest Pansy
Forest Pansy known as purple redbud is derived from its purple-red colour. This tree has large and heart-shaped leaves that turn from purple-red into purple-tinged-green during the summer season. During the autumn season, it turns into apricot and gold before revealing its enchanting and captivating framework of branches.
How to Choose the Right Site for Planting Trees
With our surroundings coming to life after the hard frost, now is the right time to look for the right spot to plant our trees. But before planting our trees, there are some considerations that we must think about carefully.
For one, choosing the right place to plant the tree. This will help us grow our trees successfully–healthy and strong. First, let’s learn what are the basic steps to successfully grow a healthy tree in the backyard.
Right tree species
Although it’s tempting to choose the prettiest trees with enchanting lush colours of leaves–looks are not always the basis. You have to look or research for a tree that is a native in the area where you reside.
Climate
Bear in mind that trees will need a minimum of six (6) hours of sun every day to thrive. Then, after finding your tree and making sure that the tree best fits in the area’s climate. And also consider how much shade the tree will receive in its surrounding such as the adjacent trees or structures.
Soil
The soil varies from one place to your chosen tree’s natural growing habitat. That’s why always consider the tree’s overall health and not just by how enchanting it looks. Furthermore, with today’s smart innovations and available resources, you can simply go to your local market to look for a soil kit.
With the help of the soil kit, you will be able to prepare your site ahead of time before deciding which serves your preference best.
Drainage
Another important key factor in considering before planting your tree is the drainage. You must consider if the area is sloped Will the tree will be able to receive or retain enough water? Check for other drainage issues especially on flat surfaces because it might retain the water resulting in suffocating the tree.
Inspect the area above and below
Besides the surface requirement, you need to see the overall aspect of the area especially if there are nearby power lines or underground utilities. Power lines will cause a major inconvenience and safety issue later on because the tree will require regular trimming or pruning. Furthermore, as the tree will mature, so as the rest of its body such as the trunk and roots.
Growing space for the tree
As mentioned above, depending on what type of tree you choose to plant in your yard, as they mature–so are their trunks, roots, branches and lush leaves. Poor placement of the tree can restrict its growth and will not fully bloom.
Consider a long-term plan
When planning to plant a tree in your yard, always consider your long-term plan. This long-term plan is both for your space and room for your tree to grow. Always consider how much the tree will occupy a space in your yard? Do you have plans for a garage or a driveway in the future?
By considering laying out a plan, it will help avoid inconveniences and costly tree removal in the future.
Mistakes to Avoid in Yard Planting
Oftentimes, when planting a tree, we disregard the most basic steps for a successful tree planting project. If you’re not so keen on following the first steps before you plant the tree, it is expected that it will be the source of your problem sooner or later.
However, for future reference, allow us to show you how to avoid these common tree planting mistakes. You don’t have to go deeper to research what are the do’s and don’ts because we will make it simple so you can start your project right away.
For a successful tree planting project, take note of the following mistakes and avoid them by any means necessary.
- Poor choice of plot or area. This is one of the most common mistakes when planting a tree. Always consider that as the trees will mature, so as their width and length. So, look for an area where they can freely grow and expand their trunk, branches and leaves.
- Digging and planting too deep. Another common mistake when planting a tree is burying the tree in a deep hole. Deep planting can reduce growth and the worse thing that can happen is your tree will not survive.
To avoid the mistake of burying the tree in a deep hole, measure the tree’s root ball–that’s the size of what you’re going to dig. Then, place your tree.
- The hole is too small. Digging can be tedious and it’s tempting to simply dig a hole same as the width or size of the tree’s root ball. Planting your tree in a small-width-hole will not help the root establish in the soil which helps the tree facilitate its growth.
To avoid this mistake, keep in mind, the width of the hole is the only thing you should spend your energy on. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the tree’s root ball.
- Planting the tree at the wrong time. We can’t just simply purchase a tree seedling and plant them any time we want. Summer is the worse month of the year to plant our trees. Plan your tree planting project when the hard frost has passed and this is especially during the spring and fall season.
Moderate temperatures keep the trees from potential stressors and allow them to establish themselves in their surroundings successfully.
- Wrong area or site to plant. A tree can’t bloom if there are debris and other detrimental factors that keep them from growing. Make sure the spot is not in a sloped area where it washes the water away easily and not too close to any structure or power lines.
- Overwatering or improper watering. Overwatering is one of the reasons why newly planted trees die. Too much water suffocates the roots resulting in the drowning of the young tree especially if your soil is composed of clay.
- Fail to monitor the tree’s growth. The most crucial time for trees is when they are establishing their growth. While growing, trees will encounter changes in temperatures and different patterns of the weather.
Besides the changes in their surrounding, trees will likely encounter diseases and other detrimental elements such as pests.
How to Take Care of the Trees in Your Yard
Trees come with different needs and characteristics. Some may don’t require maintenance, some need meticulous routine care. But it doesn’t matter how and what type of range of measures they come with–they need to receive enough TLC.
Keeping our trees healthy and strong will not only enhance our landscape’s appeal. Trees have beneficial impacts on our health as well. By taking care of them, it allowed us to take advantage of their natural provision of health benefits such as clean and fresh air.
Take these helpful maintenance tips by heart for a healthy and strong tree. Healthy trees can withstand no matter what type of season they will encounter.
1. Plant the tree at the right spot or area
Initially, one of the best ways to ensure the tree will live longer and healthy is to make sure it is a native in the area you live in.
Then, look for a spot where the tree can get enough sun and enough space so it can grow without any constraints such as power lines. Make sure you don’t dig close to underground utility or power lines.
2. Proper watering
One of the most common notions and questions we encounter is “Do trees require regular watering?” It may come as a surprise to some, but trees are just like any ordinary plants that need water. And this is especially important if you live around an area where it takes several weeks to rain and long hot days.
During the growing season of a newly planted tree, it should be given nearly four (4) to ten (10) gallons of water. This amount of watering must be done for the first or two growing seasons.
3. Mulching
Mulching your tree will help insulate the roots of the tree and prevent drying of the soil. Spread your mulch for about two (2) to four (4) inches away from the base. And be cautious about not to place your mulch or cover the base of the trunk to prevent the tree from rotting.
4. Fertilise regularly or as needed
One of the most effective ways to ensure that trees will grow healthy and strong is to provide the tree with the necessary nutrition it needs.
Naturally, trees in the forest feed off natural plant materials within their surroundings such as dead leaves. However, in our yard, these materials are an eyesore and we simply take them away.
Moreover, you can purchase a slow-release fertiliser, then place it on your soil regularly. This will give nutrients to the soil from which trees will benefit from.
5. Proper pruning
Proper trimming or pruning of your trees can improve their structure and facilitate new and healthy growth. Make sure when you’re going to prune your trees, it’s when they’re at the dormant stage.
To ensure that your tree will receive the best and proper maintenance care, call for a professional arborists assistance. This will not only facilitate healthy growth, but it will make sure that your trees will live long and strong.
6. Know what your trees truly needs
The aforementioned are vital to the overall health of your trees. However, if you’re not able to tackle what your tree truly needs, it’s not going to be enough. What you need to do is to research and learn about your trees.
7. Take care of the roots
A healthy and strong tree needs healthy roots. Providing your soil with nutrients and making sure it’s not compacted, will help sustain the tree’s greenery. Compacted soil will prevent oxygen and water from infiltrating the roots. If this happens, it is expected that the tree will not receive enough of the vital nutrients it needs.
Should You Hire Tree Professionals?
The emergence of the DIY trend and the availability of resources made everyone rely on their skills and become professionals of their hobbies. Indeed, we should innovate and be resourceful when the professionals are not around. However, there are limitations to what we can do and what we can offer.
As mentioned earlier, tree planting is a lifetime commitment and an obligation at the same time. It’s a commitment to the fact that we should meet the tree’s needs while growing. Additionally, it’s an obligation because we should see to it as the tree matures, it will not cause any inconvenience.
Therefore, it’s only wise to call for a professional arborist’s assistance to help you weigh your options. Besides an arborist’s expertise, hiring a professional offers an array of benefits, including:
Efficiency and Competence
Hiring an arborist will make your project run smoothly since grooming a tree requires skills, time and effort. Besides the availability of low-cost gardening materials–we don’t know if those were the right tools you’re going to need to groom your trees.
With a professional arborist, tree maintenance will be as easy as a breeze and the yard is well-manicured all year-round. Also, it saves you from spending on unnecessary things and focuses more on your project.
Proper Tree Maintenance
As part of your commitment and obligation, hiring an arborist is one of them so your tree will grow healthy. Trees require regular trimming and must be handled by a professional. Without prior knowledge of trimming can compromise the health of the trees.
Keep in mind, trees live longer and can either make your yard attractive or unappealing. To avoid any mishaps later on, better leave the trimming and grooming to a professional arborist.
Safety
Besides the professional’s skills in growing lush and enchanting trees, they can safely carry out the project without harming anyone for the whole duration of your project. Besides their knowledge, they are equipped with the right safety equipment and tools.
Although we can’t dismiss any minor mishaps, professional arborists can handle the situation safely and effectively.
Aesthetics
In the first place, the reason why we opt for planting trees in the yard is for aesthetic purposes. However, trees will not only enhance the landscape’s appeal but will also increase the value of your property.
A groomed and well-maintained tree has positive impacts on the overall aspect of your property and not just on the spectators.
Healthy and Flourishing
Hiring an arborist will help maintain the tree’s overall health condition while growing. Trees are not without a disease. They become prone to diseases over time as they can be exposed to various weather conditions that can rot them from inside and out.
When you hire a professional, they can easily see right through your trees and what needs to be done. You’ve come this far to let your project go to waste.
Services Advantages
When hiring a professional arborist, not only they will get your trees growing healthy and aesthetically appealing. But they will provide you with extensive tree maintenance services such as:
- Tree trimming or pruning
- Removal of rotten branches and twigs,
- Grinding old tree stumps
- ..and other landscaping or gardening services.
Perhaps you can do all these time-consuming and tedious landscaping and tree maintenance care but only when you have enough time on your hands.
But if you want to spare your weekends to rest and simply enjoy the view of your yard, leave the task to the professionals.
Conclusion
There’s nothing wrong with being a pro in DIY it is a commendable skill that not everyone can acquire. With the help of our lists on growing a healthy and enchanting tree–may this article serve as your guide on all your future tree planting projects.
Talk to us and book our professional arborist today! Call us at 0475 463 597 so we can provide you with the initial and necessary steps to start with your tree planting project. Trees Down Under will make sure your trees and garden will receive the best and high-quality treatment and services all year-round.
Also, if you are looking for a fast, same-day arborist and landscaper, don’t hesitate to call our hotline! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accommodate all your emergency services needs.
Trees Down Under care about your safety and convenience–that’s why we make sure you can reach our arborists anytime. If you want to request for an estimate on your landscaping and tree services, call us at 0475 463 597 for a no-obligation quote.
Talk to us so we can start your tree planting project today!
