Trees are terrific – at least many homeowners think so! Planting well-chosen trees near the home, in the garden or even along a parking strip can help save on energy costs and add beauty and privacy to any landscape.
So what do you do if you have a smaller yard or low-hanging power lines near your home? A growing number of homeowners are planting trees that stand between 6 and 25 feet tall at full maturity to meet smaller scale requirements so they can still enjoy a little shade. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re considering this type of landscaping:
If you’re planting near power lines, you can avoid the headache of having utility maintenance crews make their own final cuts by choosing a tree that reaches the shorter end of the scale at maturity. Examples of good choices include Sargent Crabapple trees, which range from 6 feet to 10 feet tall; and the Ann Magnolia, which stands about 8 to 10 feet tall at maturity.
If you have a little more space, there are even more options! The varieties of good mid-size trees that will reach about 25 to 30 feet include both flowering trees and conifers. The Kousa Dogwood, for example, is an ornamental four-season tree that flowers in late spring and stands up to colder temperatures. If small, low maintenance conifers are more to your liking, try the Emerald Arbovitae.
Need more ideas? The National Arbor Day Foundation is a great place to start to learn more about the best choices for smaller trees in any climate. Check out this list to find the variety that looks right and will grow well in your area!