An Expert’s Tips on Choosing the Right Tree for Your Yard
There are few things more relaxing than sitting outside in the summer months with a good book in one hand and a cold drink in the other, all while under the shade of a backyard tree. Finding the best tree for your yard can feel like a big task, especially since it could be years before you can tell if it worked out. So how do you know where to start?
Riley Sheldrick, president of Green Thumb Property Services in Russell, Ontario, gave us some insight on choosing trees based on what you’re looking to get from the tree, and what size yard you have.
When you’re looking for shade
A backyard full of shade can be perfect for those summer months when you want to enjoy the heat without the sunburn. When it comes to trees that will give you the best shade covered, Sheldrick has two in mind.
“The first would be a Shademaster Honeylocust tree,” he says. “They require minimal pruning to keep their shape and have an average lifespan of upwards of 100 years. They can grow to approximately 45 feet tall and 40 feet wide (14 metres tall and 12 metres wide) and withstand [harsh] winters with ease.”
If the honeylocust isn’t what you’re looking for in terms of colour, there’s another classic option you can go with.
“A second tree we’d recommend for backyard shade would be an Autumn Blaze Maple,” he continues. “Like the honeylocust, they require minimal upkeep. They grow to approximately 35 feet tall and 30 feet wide (10.5 metres tall and nine metres wide).”
When you’re looking for privacy
Fences can create physical privacy, but sometimes the proximity of one home to the next can mean your backyard is susceptible to the eyes of your neighbours when they’re on their deck or looking out second-storey windows. If you’re looking for trees to create more privacy in your yard, Sheldrick has some suggestions.
“Columnar oak trees are great for adding privacy to backyards as they grow tall and narrow,” he says. “They don’t require regular pruning to keep their shape and get up to 60 feet tall and only 10 feet wide (18 metres tall and three metres wide). Some varieties even keep their leaves during the winter months, continuing to provide privacy year round.”
“Colorado Blue Spruce trees are a great coniferous tree that provides privacy year round, and can mature up to 75 feet (22 metres) in height and have a spread of 10 to 20 feet (three to six metres). They withstand Canadian harsh winters and can be pruned to create a canopy, or the lower beaches can be left to provide privacy.”
When you have a smaller yard
Smaller yards often need a bit more planning when it comes to landscaping and greenery, as it can be easy to overwhelm the space or have larger plants and trees take over. Sheldrick suggests trees that double as visual treats.
“Lilac or Magnolia trees would be best for smaller yards as they can be pruned to maintain a smaller stature,” he suggests. “A bonus is they both produce breathtaking blooms in the spring months, before producing foliage for the summer and fall. Both of these trees require regular pruning to maintain their shape and desired size. Left untrimmed, lilac trees can reach up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide (4.5 metres tall and four metres wide). Magnolia trees can reach up to 12 feet tall and wide. They are hardy eastern Ontario, meaning they can withstand harsh winter temperatures.”
When you have a larger yard
Those who are lucky enough to have the space can look at larger trees for their yard. The grandeur of the certain trees can make your backyard feel majestic, but just beware they come with more upkeep than others.
“For larger yards, Sugar Maple trees and Pin Oak trees provide large shaded areas due to their vast canopies,” Sheldrick explains. “Sugar Maple trees can reach up to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide (21 metres tall and 15 metres wide). They do require regular pruning to remove deadwood in order to limit the amount of cleanup in the spring and prolong the structure and health of the tree. Pin Oaks can get up to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide (21 metres tall and 12 metres wide) and require the same amount of upkeep as a Sugar Maple in order to keep the integrity of the tree.”
When you want to attract pollinators
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, it’s estimated that wild insects provide ecological services worth $57 billion annually and “local bees and butterflies are constantly seeking supplies of energy-rich nectar and protein-filled pollen that wildflowers, shrubs, and trees can provide.”
Choosing trees that can attract and benefit pollinators is one way for you to help provide habitat for these busy bees—pun intended—and help the health of your local ecosystem.
“Any type of flowering or fruit-bearing tree will be attractive to both birds and pollinators,” sheldrick says. “Examples of flowering trees are Magnolias and Lilacs. They both produce fragrant flowers in the spring, which attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Fruit-bearing trees such as Crabapple trees attract pollinators during their flowering stage in the spring, and provide food to birds in the summer and fall once fruit has developed.”
Keep in mind, fruit trees can create a mess in your yard if you’re not diligent about clearing away fallen fruit—which can quickly turn rotten. Plus, they can attract other critters you may not want (such as squirrels or raccoons), be sure you’re willing to manage the upkeep!
Warning signs to watch for
While certain trees can have a predicted lifespan of decades, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be routinely checking your trees for signs of decay or damage. Especially after large storms, it’s important to survey and make sure there aren’t any impending issues.
“Look for broken or damaged branches as they can become a hazard if they fall out of the tree,” Sheldrick says. “Common signs of illness to look for in trees are diminishing foliage, cracks in the trunk or on major stems, peeling of bark, as well as the appearance of fungi such as mushrooms or moss. If you notice any of these issues arise in your trees, contact your local arborist as soon as possible to avoid damage to your property should the tree fall on its own.”
More tips to choosing the right tree
Naturally, everyone’s tree choices and preferences will differ depending on space, looks, budget, and availability, but Sheldrick has a few pointers to help anyone pick the right tree for their yard.
“Our No. 1 tip is to decide on what amount of space you have available for a mature tree,” he says. “You must look all around the area in which you wish to plant a tree to ensure there are no obstacles that could impede the growth of a tree (hydro wires, nearby buildings or structures, fences, etc). We also highly recommend you speak to your local garden centre to determine which trees are hardy for your area and would thrive in the desired location.”
Speaking of location, considering where in your yard the tree will live is a key element you should carefully consider. Remember, the tree will grow, so you need to look at the long-term space it’ll take up.
“The ideal location for a tree is entirely dependent on the surrounding area,” Sheldrick points out. “If a person has a large front yard, there are numerous trees that would be suitable for the area like the ones previously mentioned. The same goes for smaller front or back yards. It’s important to choose a tree suitable for the size of the yard to avoid trouble as the tree grows to maturity. Sure, the tree might be small when you plant it, but at maturity it may cause issues to nearby structures such as foundations and roofs of nearby homes.”
Trees can add shade, privacy, and character to your yard, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one to plant. Speak with your local garden centre, an arborist, or landscape designer to get a better idea of what might work for your space, as well as the soil in your area. They’ll also be able to give you any downsides to the trees—things like requiring daily upkeep, attracting unwanted critters, or being more prone to disease. With the help of a professional, you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve picked something that will meet your needs and complement your space.
