Planting a tree in the right place can have many benefits. For example, planting trees in certain places around your house can conserve energy and reduce your energy bills.

The first step is to choose the right species for your yard. You should look for a tree that will thrive in your climate and soil. This is why it’s a good idea to consider native trees. Consider the amount of sunlight you get, as well as your region’s hardiness zone to determine if a tree will be able to grow in your yard. Also, consider drainage. Is your yard sloped or flat? If it is sloped, trees at the bottom of your yard will retain more water and potentially have drainage issues. Also, consider the chemistry of your soil. Will you need to add chemicals to the soil for certain trees?

You should also take the present structures into consideration. How much space does the tree need to grow, and will structures get in the way of this? If planted too close to structures, or even driveways and sidewalks, you could have some serious problems with underground plumbing or above head powerlines. For this reason, you should know how tall your tree is going to get at its maturity, as well as how far the crown and roots will spread.

If a tree is planted close to a power line, it will need frequent pruning to remain safe. This can result in a less attractive and healthy tree than you intended, as well as cause issues for you and the utility company. Sometimes these trees can be a public safety hazard. It’s a good idea to call your utility company first so you can mark any underground lines.

Also consider how the trees will look and grow throughout each season. Will falling leaves or needles be a hassle if you plant it in a certain spot? You should also take note of summer sun and winter wind. How much sun will the tree receive in summer and winter? Planting trees in the right spot can help cool and warm your home. For shade in the summer, plant trees at the southeast, southwest, and western parts of your house. Plant evergreens in the north and northwestern parts of your house to help block it from winter winds.

Also, what about fruit and sap? Will it cause messes and stains?

Another thing to consider is future plans for your property. Do you want to add a garage or extend your driveway in the future? Don’t plant trees where they could interfere with these plans.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to planting a new tree on your property. Luckily, there are tree care companies in Kirtland Hills, like Vancuren Tree Service, to help you make the best decision for your trees and home.

To build a retaining wall, check the surrounding area for tree roots, or if you are planting a new tree, make sure to leave enough room for the tree roots to spread out. Avoid setting stones or laying concrete on established roots or where roots can get too close to the wall. You may not think that a tree’s roots can do much damage to a stone or concrete wall, but they can spread under the structure and cause the wall to crack, up-heave, or buckle. The best example of this is when you see a slab of concrete sidewalk forced into a mountain shape due to a nearby tree’s roots pushing up into the concrete.

What about cutting or trimming the tree roots? Our experienced Cleveland tree experts at VanCuren do not recommend trimming since it can severely damage the tree and it’s stability. If you think a tree absolutely needs its roots trimmed, it is best to call a professional team to take a look and do the job — it is a risky and challenging job that should not be done on your own.

So, how close can I plant my new tree? Or how close to the tree can I build the wall? If your tree is expected to grow 20 feet tall, then it will need at least 20 feet in diameter of space to properly lock into the ground and thrive. Plan to set up your wall a bit farther than the recommended growth area for the tree just to be sure.

In general, the best options for planting near a wall or retaining wall are bushes and perennials. Adding a tree to your landscape can really add to the beauty of your home, so if you do choose to plant a tree near a wall, pick a tree that will remain small once it is matured.

Have more questions or want to schedule a free inspection from the experts at Cleveland tree company VanCuren? Call us today! We specialize in tree removal and tree trimming but we have serviced the Cleveland area on all sorts of landscaping projects as well.

What is the secret to keeping your trees happy and healthy for years to come? A lot of this is intuitive, but go through this list and make sure you’re giving your tree what it needs to grow, and stay, strong.

Pick the right spot – First, choose a location for your tree… somewhere on your property that has enough sun and/or shade and where there is enough room for a full canopy to grow without obstructions such as sewage lines and electric cables. Then, pick a tree that suits the Cleveland Heights environment, in other words, pick an indigenous tree for the best results. When you are ready to plant your desired tree, make sure not to dig too shallow or too deep – this is a common mistake.

Water, water, water – When you plant a new tree, it will need somewhere between 6-10 gallons of water to keep hydrated. Keep this up for the first two growing seasons. After that, you can cut down on the watering a bit. If your tree is older, check on your tree and its soil and water as needed. Beware, overwatering can cause damage to your tree by drowning it or by loosening the soil that hold the roots in place.

Lay down mulch and fertilizer – Mulch offers a nice aesthetic but also provides insulation for your tree’s roots by locking in moisture. Avoid covering the base of the tree trunk, this will suffocate the tree.  A tree in a forest would normally, and naturally, get the rich nutrients it needs from leaves, moss and the ecosystem created by the surrounding trees. However, for our homes, fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil that is absent due to lawn care and leaf pickup.

Regular checkups – It is very important that you schedule routine checkups and proper trimming for your tree. Tree trimming improves the tree’s structure, removes dead branches, and makes room for healthy, new growth. Call an expert to check on your trees for tree trimming and for an inspection. If there are any problems with your tree it is better to catch them earlier rather than later.

Cleveland tree services company, VanCuren, is ready to answer questions, discuss tree care, come out for an inspection, or help you service your tree in the Cleveland Heights area. We specialize in tree trimming and tree removal, but we have a great team of experts who can help you with other landscaping projects as well. Call us to help your take care of your home!