Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, March 19, 1997
Putting Them Too Close To The House Or Next To Pavement Can Lead To Grief.
Larry Sagers Is A Horticulturist With The Utah State University Extension Service.
The most common of all landscape mistakes is planting the wrong plant in the wrong place. This causes a multitude of problems. The most frequent are trees that grow too big or develop the wrong shape for their intended growing area. To compensate for this, many gardeners attempt to prune to make the plant fit the area. This often produces disastrous results.
Pruning is a horticultural technique that will produce many different results on different plants. Specialty forms of pruning include hedges, topiary, espalier and several others. These methods require much time and effort each and every year to keep the plants well manicured and presentable in the landscape. These types of pruning also put the trees at greater risk of storm damage and make them more susceptible to other environmental problems.
In most cases, allowing the trees to develop a natural growth form is preferred. Do not attempt to use pruning as a substitute for selecting the wrong-size plant for a planting area. It is expensive, frustrating and often destroys the tree in the process.
Trees that develop a natural growth form do not require heavy annual pruning. Minimal training when the trees are young gets the plants off to a good start and prevents future problems. Typical training considerations include eliminating double leaders or trunks, removing branches that come out at sharp angles and removing crossing or parallel branches. Remove suckers that grow around the trunk. Prune out waterspouts that grow straight up in the air and clog the inside of the tree. Allow the basic tree structure to develop so it will be strong and have few structural problems.
I am a strong advocate of selecting trees according to their landscape use. The size and shape of the trees are among the most important features to consider in your plant selection. Take some time and study different tree forms. Select those shapes that conform to your intended site. Remember that all trees grow. Make your predictions based on the mature size, not on how they look in a pot in the nursery.
Trees grow in three dimensions above and below the ground. Those tiny spruces or wispy cottonwoods that you plant next to your home will quickly outgrow their allotted space. Removing unwanted trees is time-consuming and expensive. Removal causes even more concern because it destroys what could be excellent trees had they been selected carefully and planted in the right place. Problem trees are usually removed and never replaced or are replaced with other trees that will develop the same problems.
Select trees that will not interfere with overhead wires or with buildings and other structures in the area. Remember that the root system also grows in all directions, so avoid planting too close to structures that can be damaged as the roots expand. Poor root systems are a major cause of tree failure, as trees are often planted in areas where they will not grow well. Typical problems include poor or nonexistent soil profiles, interference from pavement or other obstructions. Another serious problem is water excesses or deficiencies. These are often aggravated by problem soils and soil compaction.
Although shapes and size are important, they are not substitutes for selecting a good tree. One example of using the wrong tree if your only criteria are shape and upright form is the Lombardy poplar. This narrow, upright tree fits the shape requirements for many planting areas. Its many drawbacks include surface roots that come up in the lawns and underneath sidewalks. The trees have weak wood and narrow branch angles that break down in the snow. They are also susceptible to many diseases and to insect pests. I do not recommend planting them in urban landscapes because of these drawbacks. Fortunately, many excellent columnar trees will solve the concerns in your garden. Look for columnar beeches, pines, oaks and maples as better tall, upright trees.
Study the planting sites carefully before making your selections. Make your decisions with the life-long health of the trees in mind. Trees are excellent long-term landscape assets and will grow for many years when they are well cared for. The trees you plant could outlive you. Choose them carefully so you can enjoy them as long-term landscape assets in your garden.
For more information about selecting trees based on their form and landscape use, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Larry Sagers, Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110. This information has diagrams of seven common tree shapes and lists of trees that fit those forms.
- LANDSCAPE CLASSES: A seven-week course to help you design and install a landscape or remodel an existing landscape will be taught on Tuesdays, March 25 through May 13, at 2-4:30 or 6-8 p.m. at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 S. State St., Room S1007. Cost is $25 and includes handouts and book. Topics include designing/developing a landscape plan, improving soil for planting, wise water use and selecting trees, shrubs and flowers. The course includes a personal consultation about your own landscape plan. Class size is limited. Preregister for the class by calling 468-3170.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.