Read This Before Planting Trees in Your Yard

Let’s face it; whenever we hear about the state of the environment, the reports are often pretty bleak. And as individuals, we’re always looking for little ways to help. We bring reusable bags to the grocery store, choose natural cleaners, and create a compost bin in the backyard.

But for improving air quality, nothing helps out more than planting new trees. However, tree planting can be more complicated than one would think, especially if you’re planting one near your home. That’s why it’s important to remember these things to consider when planting a tree in your yard.

The Type of Soil in Your Yard

If you’ve ever started a home garden, then you know that soil is everything when it comes to whether or not your tomatoes will come in or how many cucumbers you’ll grow. This is even more crucial when it comes to planting trees.

Before putting a tree in the ground, you should make sure you know the following about the soil in your yard:

• Composition

• pH levels

• Texture and type

• How well it drains

There isn’t necessarily a “bad” type of soil for tree planting. However, different types of trees may only grow in certain types of soil. You’ll have to consider this when planting a tree in your yard.

The Location of Pipes

Tree roots can grow as far as 20 feet below the earth. While this is an incredible feat as far as survival goes, it can cause problems for other things under our yards. Namely, our homes’ water pipes.

Tree roots, by nature, reach out toward sources of water, and that includes water enclosed inside pipes. That’s why tree roots are some of the most common causes of water main breaks. When you’re choosing a spot to plant your tree, double-check that you aren’t planting it too close to pipes.

Distance From the House

A tree’s canopy can cause as much structural damage as its root system, especially if you plant a tree too close to your house. If a tree’s branches grow too close to a house, they can cause serious damage to the roof during stormy or windy weather. Also, leaves and twigs can end up falling into your gutters, making them clog more easily.

If you do plant your tree close to the house, you’ll have to stay on top of pruning it. Just remember that it’s usually safer to prune a tree in early spring before all the tree-harming pests come out to play.