No decision affects your garden (and your wallet!) more than decisions you make about planting trees—the numbers, types, and whether it’s a fast-growing tree or a slow-growth variety.
So save yourself a lot of time, money, and trouble by planting trees that are long-lived, strong-wooded, and not pestered by insects and diseases. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when before you begin planting trees. Lawn trees should cast light, filtered shade and be deep rooted. Trees that shade decks, patios, and parking areas shouldn’t drop messy fruits—try fast-growing trees like flowering pears or maple.
Before planting trees, always consider its mature size. Small trees like crepe myrtle, Franklin tree, or Kousa dogwood grow up to 30 feet tall and wide; medium trees like birch, honey locus, and arborvitae grow 30 to 60 feet; large trees like the fast-growing trees tulip poplar and cypress grow more than 60 feet—but mature sizes vary somewhat across the South. Planting trees and watching them grow is one of the most satisfying experiences a gardener can have, as you change your neighborhood’s landscape forever.
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