Botanicals Trees and Shrubs Choosing Your Tree

Choosing Your Tree

You and Your Tree: Making the Perfect Match

Trees are an essential part of our global landscape. Large or small, deciduous or evergreen, flowering or fruit-bearing, trees have been upon this Earth for millions of years and their existence will likely surpass ours. When planting trees in your garden area, our best success will come by matching your specific conditions to the perfect tree or shrub species with their specific environmental preferences.  

Beyond the aesthetic value, respecting a few key elements will help create a good investment in both your property and your environmental quality. When considering options for your garden, we:

  • Evaluate both the above- and below-ground growing area
  • In New York City, traffic, overhead cables, lamp posts or adjacent tree canopies may affect our recommendations.
  • Examine the soil texture, the soil pH readings, drainage and soil compaction levels
  • Trees and shrubs, much like flowering plants, require suitable "ground housing" if they are to thrive within your landscape.
  • Evaluate the potential for the development of a healthy root system
  • The root system supports the above-ground material. Absent a healthy root system, you and your tree may be in danger. In New York City, it is critical to assess the location of sidewalks, curbs and other pedestrian paths.
  • Determine the level of exposure to pollutants and salts  
  • Whether the location of your tree is street-side or rooftop, on balcony or in a yard, urban stress elements such as airborne pollutants can affect the long-term health of your tree.  
  • Inspect all tree and shrub branch structure
  • A poor branch structure equates to branch breakage and potential for disease, which can lead to dangers for pedestrian and building structure safety.
  • Select trees and shrubs that are suitable for you and your environment  

From broad-leafed flowering trees to needle-like conifers, deciduous or evergreen, canopied or sculpted, adding a tree to your garden stage will return years of satisfaction to both you and your environment.  

Just like humans, tree species can be "native-born" or "naturalized" citizens. Native trees originated in North America (such as the California Redwood). Naturalized trees have learned to adapt beyond their original forest range (example: Asian Crabapple). Native or naturalized, either type is appropriate for responsible planting, and not considered invasive.

One Footprint MattersTM
New York City-based Sustainable Urban Landscaping and Garden Design

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