Choosing Your New Tree

20 Mar Choosing Your New Tree

Posted at 15:51h in Tree Care by webcitz

Is it time to upgrade the look of your lawn? In this article, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about choosing your new tree.

You’ve just bought your new house. There are a few updates needed so you paint the walls and change the bathroom sink. Then you look outside and notice your new yard could use some updating as well. Besides flower gardens and fountains, trees play a major role in the functionality and layout of your yard. They can increase the enjoyment you get from your yard substantially.

Choosing the correct tree for your location is important for both the trees success and your own satisfaction. There are several factors to consider when looking to plant a new tree. At Gabe’s Tree Service, we want to help you determine what tree will work best for your property.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Tree

The type of tree your considering needs to work for the location you’re considering placing it in, weather you’ve already chosen the tree and need to decide where to put it or chosen where to put it and now need to choose the tree.

One of the first things to consider before buying your tree is your hardiness zone. A tree that’s meant to grow in conditions you’d find in Florida, won’t survive as well in our cool Wisconsin weather.

The hardiness scale is a map that splits the United States into 10 different growing zones. Wisconsin is split into two zones. The northwest half is zone 4, while the southeast half is zone 5.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Tree

1. Choosing a Tree Species (Suggestions for the State of Wisconsin)

When it comes to choosing the right tree for your property, the big thing to consider is height. How tall will your chosen tree get? Are there any buildings or power lines that may interfere with the trees growth? Also consider the spread. How wide will this tree get? Does the space allow for a maple to get full and round or would a cone shaped pine fit better?

You’ll want to consider the location of other objects in your yard before choosing a spot for your new addition. Do you have a sidewalk or septic/sewer that the roots of your tree may disturb? Will this tree be dropping fruits in an inconvenient place, such as your flower garden or a footpath? Is this a deciduous tree that will drop leaves into a problematic spot, like a pool or pond? You’ll want to look at all these things to ensure you don’t end up with a headache or costly repairs in the future.

Let’s talk about some of our favorite tree species! Read more below about Gabe’s Tree Service’s suggestions:

Maple Trees

Maples are beloved for their stunning fall colors and versatility. They offer excellent shade and come in various sizes, from smaller Japanese maples to towering sugar maples. Most species reach 40-70 feet tall at maturity. They’re relatively fast-growing and adapt well to different soil conditions.

The drawback of maple trees is that their surface roots can interfere with lawns and sidewalks. Their seeds (helicopters) can also be prolific, potentially leading to many saplings. Most maples are hardy in zones 3-8 and prefer full sun to partial shade.

Oak Trees

Oaks are majestic, long-lived trees that significantly increase property value. They’re incredibly durable and can live for hundreds of years.

While slow-growing, they develop deep root systems that make them extremely sturdy in storms. They provide excellent wildlife habitat, producing acorns that attract birds and small mammals.

The downside of oak trees is their slow growth rate – expect to wait 20-30 years for significant shade. Most species reach 50-80 feet tall. They generally need full sun and well-draining soil, and they’re hardy in zones 3-9 depending on the species.

Birch Trees

Another type of tree we suggest is the birch tree. Birch trees are a favorite for home and business owners, since they feature a distinctive bark and overall graceful form.

They’re relatively fast-growing and work well as accent trees, particularly the white-barked varieties. Most birches reach 30-60 feet tall. They prefer cool, moist conditions and struggle in hot, dry areas.

Birches are relatively short-lived (30-40 years) compared to other trees and can be susceptible to bronze birch borer in stressed conditions.

Last note about birch trees: they need consistent moisture and do best in zones 3-6, preferring partial shade, especially in warmer regions.

Beech Trees

Beech trees are sophisticated landscape elements with smooth gray bark and dense foliage.

They’re slow-growing but extremely long-lived, potentially surviving for centuries. American beeches typically reach 50-70 feet tall. Their smooth bark is easily damaged, so they shouldn’t be placed near high-traffic areas.

The shallow root system can make lawn maintenance challenging. They retain their bronze leaves through winter, providing year-round interest. Beeches prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil and are hardy in zones 4-9.

Apple Trees

Apple trees are dual-purpose trees, offering both beautiful spring blossoms and edible fruit. They’re smaller than the other options, typically reaching only 15-25 feet tall, making them suitable for modest yards. Most varieties need a pollinator tree nearby for fruit production.

They require regular maintenance, including annual pruning and potential pest management. Apple trees need full sun and well-draining soil, and most varieties are hardy in zones 4-8. Consider dwarf varieties if space is limited.

2. Growth Rate

The growth rate of your chosen tree is an important factor to consider as well. There are fast growing and slow growing trees. Fast growing trees, like maples, willow or locust, are trees that grow a few feet a year. They’re good for quick shade, privacy or windbreak while your wait to slower growing trees to catch up but they are usually much quicker to die, with a typical lifespan between 20-60 years.

These trees generally require extra maintenance and have more damage issues when they’re mature than a slow growing tree, and should be planted away from homes, driveways and powerlines. Slow growing trees, like some oaks and pines, grow less than a foot a year and can live between 100 and 600 years depending on the species.

3. Location of Tree

Also, does this location provide adequate sun, soil and moisture levels for the tree you’re looking at putting in? Most trees have different growing requirements that allow them to thrive and grow.

Although Wisconsin isn’t considered drought country, we do have some relatively dry spells throughout the year. There are some trees that are drought resistant and may be easier for you to grow. Some oaks and maples are on this list. Along with paper birch, cedar elm and some others.

It you’re unsure about which tree would fit best for your chosen spot, try the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Finder here. On this site they also have a sizing and shape guide that will tell you how tall your tree can get and typically what shape it’ll be. This will take you through a series of questions about your given space and tell you which trees are the best fit for your property.

Let Gabe’s Help You Choose Your Tree!

We are the experts in tree removal and tree care! If you have any questions for our team, we invite you to contact us to have us give you tips on what tree to choose. Our tree maintenance and removal experts proudly serve Appleton, Oshkosh, Waupaca, and Steven’s Point.

Ready to get started with your tree removal/care service? Contact us online today!