Wally’s Workshop

Most good garden design incorporates the use of trees, even the smallest garden is greatly enhanced by the presence of at least one tree. A specimen tree can be a crowning glory to a wonderful design, a centerpiece to a masterpiece, a focal point, point of interest and more besides. However trees can be utilized in a landscape garden in a number of different ways such as fruit trees as a food source for both wildlife and humans, or as a screen or partition in a larger design. Unfortunately trees can be rather expensive in terms of cash and time when compared to other landscaping plants and caring for trees can be vastly different than caring for other plants such as annuals or perennials.

Important Factors in Caring for Trees

Obviously climate is an influential factor in deciding which tree would be most suitable for your garden. Some trees are a little more demanding than others and some more susceptible to changes in climate whereas some will grow almost anywhere. It is of great importance that you firstly investigate the suitability of a tree for your area before deciding upon which you will plant. Doing this is rather easy, just pop along to your local nursery or take a drive around to see which are growing best in your area.

Once you have discovered which trees are likely to grow well in your garden you will need to familiarize yourself with that tree’s requirements. Watering trees varies greatly between varieties, trees such as willows will require far more water than others, also young plants which have just been planted will require more water than a tree that was planted twelve months previously. Even though your tree may require very large amounts of water it should not be applied all in one go. I have seen some lazy gardeners pouring on buckets of water throughout the growing period. While this ensures that the tree gets sufficient water it could actually waterlog the ground and cause problems. Furthermore by pouring water onto the soil directly the soil can become compacted, water will pool on compacted soil or even flow away from the tree.

Soil which has become compacted contains far less oxygen than healthy lighter soil and this can cause trees problems. You must avoid letting the soil surrounding a tree from being compressed by foot and machine traffic at all costs. Water your trees with a quality watering or sprinkler otherwise a fine spray on a hose will do. Maintaining a regular watering routine can make a world of difference to the growth rate of trees.

Your tree care routine can be further enhanced by regularly feeding your trees. All plants need nutrients and this is so with all types of tree. Some types, such as fruit trees, may require feeding more often than others so it is always best to learn as much as you can about your particular tree. A good quality tree care book is a must have and there are several cheap paperbacks on the market that are ideal.

If you are caring for fruit trees you may wish to consider using netting to protect the tree from the effects of the weather. You may also wish to use windbreak netting to reduce the effects of any prevailing wind but be aware that most windbreak netting will also reduce light dramatically (around a 50% reduction). Netting can also be used to protect fruit trees, while the fruit is developing and ripening, from bird damage.

Pruning is also another important factor to consider when caring for trees. Different tree types require different approaches to pruning and some are best left to develop natural or do not take well to pruning. Some prefer to be pruned in the winter while other would suffer from such a pruning. Fruit trees can be pruned to develop shape, to maintain an open center and to encourage growth and increase fruit production. Yet again understanding your particular tree’s needs is of great importance so here again I would recommend the purchase of a good book about pruning.

Following the hints, tips and guidelines above should point you in the right direction to growing a wonderful healthy tree in your garden. While it may take a little bit of extra effort, on your behalf, you will be rewarded with something of great beauty.

Billy Harris was a professional landscape gardener for many years but since retirement he spends most of his time tinkering in his own garden. During the winter months he writes articles for a small number of gardening sites.

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