To Tree or Not To Tree?

This really is the question! Well ….at least it's the question I get asked a lot by the clients of Earthlings. I don't know how or when, but somehow along the way, trees have really got a bad reputation and some of my clients really don’t want them. Perhaps it is because those cute poplars and spruce trees we planted years ago are now 30+ feet tall and encroaching on sidewalks, houses, waterlines, and views. For some, it’s because they don’t want to rake up those messy leaves and needles. For others, it’s because they really don’t see the value on having one. Whatever the reason I definitely see a trend to not put trees in a landscape.

In defense of trees this is what I share with my clients:

• In the past, there was not a large selection of nursery trees available for the Lethbridge landscape. Today, this is not the case. For example, gone are the days where the Colorado Blue Spruce (55’x 16’) was your only option if you wanted an evergreen in your landscape construction. Now you can find new varieties of this well known tree in most garden centers.  The Fat Albert is a shorter version that grows only 40’ tall. The Columnar Blue Spruce (20’x5’) is more narrow and short for those hard to plant spaces. I really like to Hoopsii Spruce (40’x 7’) which grows somewhat irregular branches and has a unique look. There is even the Globe Blue Spruce (5’6”x8’) or the Creeping Blue Spruce (1’6” x 8’) which are shrub forms of their parent.  
• A good landscape design can help you avoid planting trees that will not suit the size or environment of your landscape. No longer should we be planting N.W. poplars in our backyard.  There are so many other smaller ornamental trees to choose from that will suit the scale of our smaller residential yards. 
• Trees can be helpful in framing or blocking a view. By using the canopy of an Elm, I have helped to bring framework to a landscape by telling the eyes where to look, rather than not knowing where to focus. For example, you could use a tree to screen the view of your neighbor’s R.V.! 

• Trees are also of value if you are talking purely from the economical standpoint.  Deciduous trees can really help keep a house cool in summer and warm in winter (Saving $$$ for heating and cooling). If planted on the south and west sides of the house they will block out those hot summer rays and allow the low sun to penetrate in winter. 
• I have also seen the value of property rise significantly based on trees. Here is an example: Before Parkside Drive was created (the North Side Street of Henderson Lake) There was vast prairie.  The beautiful Japanese Gardens and Henderson Lake Park were created, and houses were constructed to capture the view.  The houses for these lots are now getting old and dated but they are the most highly sought after properties. Not for the house (they typically are torn down or renovated) but for the landscape. If you don’t plant trees, your neighbourhood will look exactly the same tomorrow as it does today.  Is that want you want? I know that is not what tomorrow’s buyer wants. 
  

More things to love about trees:
They are homes for birds, habitats for animals, produce organic matter, are natural weed suppressors, and are a great place to play!  I am sure you can add more to this list.
Oh… and those of you who don’t want to rake up leaves I hope I have convinced you somewhat that it might be worth it! Besides, we all know in Lethbridge it’s not our leaves to worry about but our neighbours.

Here’s hoping we all take time to sit under a tree on a hot day this summer!

Happy Gardening!

Kirsten