Planting a Shade Tree and Memories

Many have childhood memories of pushing their way through tall grass trails, eventually ending up along the muddy banks of a creek. Fishing pole in hand they forge out onto a prostrate Willow branch where twisted submerged roots offer a window into a murky green unknown world.

Other memories one may have is waking to an unusual snow that carpets a woodland, or peeking out a ranch house window to see a flock of stray peacock moving slowly through a thick grove of oak trees.

Many remember climbing pine or eucalyptus trees, recalling the wonderful smell that brushed off on their clothing.

With these memories that many carry through life – the point is a simple one. Trees enrich lives, whether it’s realized or not. To illustrate, had not trees offered the shady mysterious fishing hole – that memory would not have been the same. Peacocks are beautiful anywhere, but it was the oak grove that made that memory a masterpiece. And finally, it would have been climbing the school yard eucalyptus tree – that smelled like Vicks Vaporub, which would have etched that fond memory.

Tips to Create Good Tree Memories

With planting season drawing near, you may want to think about planting some trees – as they indeed make the garden a special place – and build memories.

Some good choices for patio shade include – Pyrus calleryana – the Flowering Pear If you need a fairly large and wide spreading tree, get Aristocrat(may surface root heavily due to soil and watering). If you are limited in space, get Chanticleer or Capital. These narrow growing varieties are good in locations where a vertical mass is needed to block the sun on a south/west wall between two homes – where space is limited. All flowering pear varieties are seasonally pleasing with white masses of spring flowers and red fall color. Note – do not plant Bradford Pear due to eventual structural failure.

Tilia cordata, the Linden Tree is a great tree for grove planting as are the Betula species or Birch Trees. Ginkgo biloba, the Maidenhair Tree is known for it’s non-destructive root system and beautiful leaves that resemble a fish tail. Nyssa sylvatica, the Tupelo Tree is a beautifully branched tree which is known for amazing fall color. Acer palmatum,the Japanese Maple with over 800 named varieties is the favorite tree of the plant collector.

Quercus species, the Oaks, are great trees where a large specimen is needed. An advantage of using an oak for patio shade trees is the species ability to be pruned up high to allow for easy passage under the tree, which also opens up a clear, unobstructed view from the patio area. This is a plus as many trees don’t look right with their lower branches pruned up past a certain point.

Look for Quercus shumardii,a superior Red Oakvariety which holds it’s beautiful scarlet fall color 2 to 3 times longer than the other Red Oak varieties. It’s also less susceptible to wood-bore insect damage. Quercus macrocarpa, the Burr Oak, has the largest acorns of any oak (look like holiday ornaments) and is an extremely fast grower which can shade a home in a matter of years.

Final Tree Tip

Note that it is best to leave the lower branches on a tree until it is absolutely necessary to prune them off. It has been found that the longer lower branches are left on the stronger the trunk formation. Also lower branches protect the bark from sunburn, and aid in moisture retention and help to moderate soil temperatures by shading the ground. Start limb removal slowly as branch spread begins encroachment.