Trees are the backbone of any landscape – and in a sustainable yard, they’re also heroes. They shade your house, cool the air, store carbon, filter water, and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Chapter 17 is a love letter to trees and shrubs. Owen Dell helps you select the right woody plants for your specific needs.
Shade trees reduce summer air conditioning costs by 15‑50%. Plant deciduous trees (those that lose leaves) on the south and west sides of your home. In summer, their canopy blocks sun; in winter, their bare branches let warming light through. Good choices: native oaks, maples, elms, or locusts. Avoid fast‑growing, short‑lived species like silver maple or Bradford pear – they’re prone to breakage and create long‑term problems.
Evergreen trees provide year‑round windbreaks and privacy screens. Plant them on the north and northwest sides to block cold winter winds. Good choices: native conifers like pine, fir, or cedar. Space them at half their mature width for a dense screen.
Small understory trees (20‑30 feet tall) add beauty without overwhelming a small yard. Dogwood, redbud, serviceberry, and hawthorn are all excellent – they also produce flowers and fruit for birds.
Shrubs fill the middle layer between trees and ground covers. Use them along foundations, as hedges, or in mixed borders. Native shrubs like blueberry, manzanita, viburnum, and spicebush require little care once established.
Dell provides a checklist for evaluating a tree before planting: check for pests, root girdling (roots circling the pot), and overall vigor. Plant trees at the correct depth – one of the most common mistakes. And always consider mature size: a tiny sapling can become a 60‑foot giant.
A sustainable landscape without trees is like a house without a roof. Plant them right, and they’ll outlive you.
Comments
Post a Comment