Creative Planting Ideas for Trees In The Landscape

Trees are the most important – and certainly the largest – living parts of a home landscape. Whether your garden is a courtyard or 25 acres of fertile farmland, it is usually possible to include at least one tree in your landscape design. The positions of trees and large shrubs set the pattern for all other plantings, so the initial "skeleton planting" has to be given careful consideration.

Gardeners have always realised the importance of trees. As well as being beautiful in themselves they act as a filter for dust and a barrier against noise; they provide privacy and shade; and they give a green background against which you can place other more colourful smaller plants. Today we also realise more than ever their importance as oxygen providers for the planet – natural users of the carbon dioxide that is becoming too predominant in our atmosphere.

Since trees in nature are seldom found alone, group plantings often look best in the garden if there is sufficient space. However, some species are so beautiful or distinctive that they appear most handsome in isolation. In the right position such trees can make a stunning accent point, especially if they can also be seen from inside the house.

Accent trees include those with twisted trunks and branches (honeysuckles, some species of willow); flowering trees like the beautiful dogwood (Cornus species)and showy ornamental cherries; or unusual trees like the ancient medlar (Mespilus germanica) whose fruit becomes edible only after being softened by frost, or by long storage.

High branches from a grove of trees can give a spacious feeling to a corner of your garden, forming a ceiling beneath which shade-loving plants can grow. However, take care if planting conifers, because their sticky resinous "needles" may prevent other plants from growing nearby. Ideally, conifers need a grove of their own, perhaps above a terrace.

Trees native to your area can act as links, integrating your garden with the environment outside it and accentuating the unique character of the place where you live. Amongst the native trees you can plant introduced species that blend with the native trees in form or color, or both.

Choice of trees is a personal one, but it is important to consider the architecture with which your trees will be associated. Modern architecture often has clean, simple lines that can be complemented by straight, tall tree trunks.

And if there is room for only one tree? Consider planting a fruit tree. An apple tree will delight you with blossoms in spring, fruit in summer, bronzed leaves in fall and a tracery of branches in winter – a true asset in any garden.

Article from Steve Boulden of The Landscape Design Site.com For more free landscaping ideas, pictures, and plans, see www.the-landscape-design-site.com.