tree diseases and the symptoms to watch for

Three Trees Commonly Used In Landscaping And How To Care For Them

15 April 2015

Wesley Perry

If you are planning to redesign or landscape your yard for the first time, here is some useful information about three common trees used in landscape design and how to care for them.

Oak Trees

Most oak trees are deciduous, so they will lose their leaves in the fall. They grow quickly and provide shade. Oak trees are usually planted near homes, providing privacy since they are so tall.

Oaks don't require much maintenance, and if you lives where winters are wet, you don't even need to water them. If winters are dry, simply water the soil surrounding their trunks no more than once a month.

Pruning should be done in late winter, and never between the months of March and July, or the trees could get a fungus that kills them.

Cedar Trees

Cedar trees are big, beautiful, coniferous evergreens. They stay green year-round, never losing their needles. Keep in mind that these types of trees grow to be big and tall, so it's best to plant them five feet or more apart.

There are many types of cedar trees to choose from, but they all provide shade and a shield from the wind. Plant the seedlings in sunny spots when they are six feet tall, and attach them to stakes with garden twine for support.

Water cedar trees regularly, allowing the water to dry completely before watering again. Keep mulch around the base of the trees, and cover them in the winter months with netting while the trees are still growing.

Although cedar trees produce a lot of shade, you can still grow certain plants and flowers underneath them, such as Caladium, ferns, and Impatiens.

Maple Trees

Maple trees are big, beautiful deciduous trees that provide a spectacular fall color display before losing their leaves. If you go with the Red Maple, you will see a breathtaking red hue in the fall.

Plant the Red Maple tree saplings in a sunny or partially shady area in your yard, using moist mulch. You don't need to fertilize the tree more than every two years.

One thing to watch for is that the roots of the tree grow near or slightly above the surface of the ground. Be very careful not to mow or trim around the roots, as they could become damaged, which could harm the tree. 

Tips for Choosing a Tree

Walk around your property before you decide what kind of trees to grow. Gauge the space you have and envision the trees at their mature heights, so they will look good in your yard.

You can know what they will look like in the fall when they change their color if you buy the saplings in the fall. Keep your trees well cared for and they will take care of you for many, many years to come. If you need help caring for your trees, don't hesitate to contact a tree care professional, such as those at Carlos Tree Service Inc.

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