How To Choose The Best Trees For Your Yard

Adding trees to your landscaping can be a great long-term investment in shade, natural beauty, and supporting the local ecosystem. However, if you select a tree species that's not right for the growing conditions or ends up growing too large years from now, that investment can be moot. To help you choose the best trees for your yard, the arborists with SkyFrog Tree Service are providing this tree selection guide. Contact us today for more information about our tree services or to request a free estimate.

Sizing

Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and it's necessary to be aware of how large a mature tree will get. Depending on the species, it may take years to decades for a tree to fully grow. If you don't plan for the future, this can impact your property later. From growing through underground pipes to limiting where you can add new structures such as a shed or home expansion, it's important to get the lay of the land and factor in how large the tree will eventually be before planting anything.

Growing Conditions

Selecting trees that fare well in the hot summers and cooler winters of Florida is essential in determining the long-term health of your new trees. The list of potential trees for your yard is long but includes live oak, red maple, ficus, gumbo limbo, and Japanese fern tree. Many fruit-bearing and flowering trees also grow well in our unique climate. If you're unsure which is best for your needs, our arborists can review your options and even help with proper tree establishment, so your new trees can have the best start possible.

Purpose

Consider why you want to plant trees and what function you want them to serve. Many people want trees that can provide shade for their outdoor living space. Flowering trees can add beauty and curb appeal to your property. Fruit-bearing trees can be practical and beautiful, providing you with a source of homegrown food. Sturdy trees can provide protection, especially if you live on a busy roadway. On the other hand, smaller, denser trees can provide privacy screening from neighbors and passerbys but may require more frequent pruning. Knowing what you want from your trees can help narrow down which species will be right for you.

Care Requirements

When selecting a tree species, it's important to be realistic about how much time and maintenance you're willing to put in. Flowering and fruit-bearing trees may be beautiful to look at, but they also require a lot of care. If you're unwilling to harvest the fruit on time, they can fall to the ground, rot, and attract wildlife. If you want a specific tree without extra work, consider mature tree care services.

Check out our tree services FAQs page, or call us to speak to a certified Gainesville arborist!