What to Consider Before Planting a New Tree on Your Property

We know the benefits of adding trees to our outdoor spaces. They provide shade that can reduce cooling costs, they reverse the impacts of carbon in the air, and beautify our environment.  However, there are some things to consider when you make a plan to add trees to our landscaping.  When considering the requirements of tree planting, there are some simple steps that you should consider before breaking ground.

When selecting an area to introduce a new tree, consider the safety precautions that you should take.  One factor to take close consideration of is local tree planting rules and regulations. Your municipality may have restrictions on size, species, and placement of your trees. These ordinances are usually available on your city or county’s website. Hiring a reputable tree planting service will take the guesswork out of this process entirely. Your tree professional will help you select a tree type and placement that will adhere to your local, state, county, and community tree planting guidelines as well as help choose a location on your property where it’ll flourish.

Speaking of placement, it can be difficult to think about your new tree outliving your time in your home, but many will.  Therefore, considering placement will not only prevent unforeseen damage to your home, foundation, sidewalks, or driveway, but also can help prevent safety hazards that can come with a misplaced tree. The most common of these issues is powerlines. When planting trees near powerlines, it’s important to not only consider the height that your tree may reach, but also how far out its branches may spread. These measurements can be estimated at the time of purchase and by doing online research, as you are doing now! The best way to ensure that you are not in a danger zone of planting around power lines is to consult professional tree planting services near you. But remember, planting near underground power and utility lines can also be a hazard. Before planting, be sure to call or go online to request service by Gopher One, if in Minnesota. If you are not in our great state, you can contact your Department of Natural Resources for guidance. Gopher One is a free service to all Minnesota residents. Pro Tip: it typically takes a few days for them to schedule your visit, so be sure to plan plenty of time before you break ground.

Another thing to consider is, when the best time of the year is for tree planting in your region. For example, when planting trees in our home state of Minnesota, fall is the ideal time to plant your trees. This may come as a surprise since we think of things growing in the spring.  However, fall is when trees focus on developing roots, instead of putting all their energy toward producing leaves and fruit, like they do in spring or summer.

And lastly, here’s the fun part: selecting what kind of tree you want! There are so many species of beautiful trees that can add interest and beauty to your yard. By discussing your options with a tree planting professional, like us, we can work with you to make the perfect selection that will add beauty to your neighborhood for decades to come.  Happy planting!