By Sonya Welter

Trees can be intimidating, especially for novice gardeners.

A sapling usually costs $20 to $100—way more than a packet of lettuce seeds or a six pack of pansies—and trees can make a huge impact on your landscape—sometimes literally, if flooding or strong winds blow them over onto your house or car.

It’s worth it to take your time and make sure your trees are planted right.

First, buy the healthiest tree you can, and make sure that it’s hardy for your climate. Bare root trees should be planted as early as possible in the spring.

Potted trees are a little more flexible, but they’re best planted in the spring or the fall, when temperatures are milder (gardeners in very warm climates can plant trees in the winter).

Try to plant you tree as soon as possible after you buy it, but if you can’t, keep bare root trees in a cool, dark location until planting, and make sure Read the rest of this entry »

By Sonya Welter

Trees provide shade in the summer and a windbreak in the winter, and mature trees make the biggest impact for beautifying your neighborhood or boosting your property value.

It’s true that trees are an investment in the future, but many trees grow faster than you might think, and that skinny little sapling you plant today will look lush and established in just a few years.

So how do you choose the perfect tree for your yard?

First, decide what you want the tree for. Conifers like spruce, pine and fir are good for windbreaks or for privacy hedges, since they stay bushy year round. If you want a tall boulevard tree, consider maples, oaks, elms or basswoods.

If you’ve got a tiny urban lot, look for Read the rest of this entry »