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[T1330]Trees In The Landscape

by Mark Robinson, Mar

One of the vitally important factors in making sure that your trees and shrubs develop well in your garden is that you ensure that wind damage is vastly reduced. Trees in Landscape Gardening can be fatally damaged by biting winds ina number ways. One of the most simple ways in which to minimize wind damage is by utilizing Tree Shelters.

Tree Shelters and Other Protection can drastically reduce damage to fresh buds, leaves and shoots by creating a full or partial barrier to the wind. Prevailing winds rock the trees forwards and backwards creating damage to the roots especially the fibrous roots, this, and the fact that winds can also increase osmosis, means that trees easily become seriously dehydrated. Tree Shelters and Windbreak Netting are really cheap items of garden equipment so why cut corners? In the end it will more than likely work out more costly in the long run if you do not use them.

Sheltering garden trees and shrubs in really exposed areas can be very difficult and you will, more than likely, decide that it would be best to use both windbreak netting and tree shelters together. By following this advice you will discover that you have manufactured something rather the same as a controlled environment, these wonderful gadgets also help in stabilizing the surrounding air temperature by acting as insulation ( because most types have twin walls). Also, because they are made from an amazingly strong and long lasting type of clear or opaque polyethylene the resulting tree shelters are considerably lighter than if an alternative substance was used. They are really easy to flat pack resulting in transportation which is easy and cheap, even heavy weight designs remain light weight.

If you live in a coastal site you will find that tree shelters are also a great solution for the problem of salt damage. Reducing salt damage is, more than likely the only way to ensure that some species of tree survive in in your vicinity. Windbreak netting is also a brilliant, easy way in which to protect against salt damage. Windbreak netting is also effective in reducing sunlight in sunny positions as it restricts sunlight by forty to fifty percent.

Tree Shelters and Other Protection are also advisable if you reside in a location where animals are a problem. Tree shelters can stop any damage caused by browsing creatures such as dear, rabbits etc. The spiral types have been designed for this reason and are most probably the most logical. Windbreak netting is not likely to stop rabbits because it is usually made from a mesh of polyethylene but it will most probnably stop other animals.

And while most elements will remain what they are for years to come, the one thing that most do it yourselfers and some professionals overlook is the space that tiny little sprouts will occupy when they become mature plants and trees.

Trees serve a number of obvious purposes in the landscape. Creating shade, wind blocks, noise reduction, boundaries, and focal points are just a few. Once I have established where I'll need trees for these purposes in a design, I have several other considerations before I can designate their permanent home.

Planting without considering the space that the mature full grown plants and trees will occupy can become more than just an inconvenience. It can be costly.

Things to consider.

Around Play Areas

A shaded canopy over play areas, sand boxes, etc. may be desired for shade from afternoon sun. However, you need to consider the mess that birds and other critters will drop right into your childs play area if the canopy extends over it.

The solution to this is to place large shade trees a distance from the area in line with the travel of the sun. If you know the trees you plant and how far the mature canopy will extend, you can still plant for shade without exposing your kids to unsanitary conditions.

Around Pools

Keeping a pool clean is hard enough without a mess of leaves and branches. And while most pool areas are sunny locations, it is sometimes desirable to have a space near the pool where one can escape the sun.

Unlike play areas though, you may not want to shade the entire pool landscape from the afternoon sun. Therefore you shouldn't plant large shade trees in direct line with the travel of the sun. Design as to create a shady area to one side or the other. This is also another spot to eliminate top rooting trees around concrete. Evergreen types are usually your best bet for around pools.

Roots And Concrete Footings And Foundations

While infrequent deep watering as opposed to frequent shallow watering will help deter top rooting trees, some trees are still determined to seek out other sources of water which may be on the surface or moist areas under structures.

The seeking roots of large trees are a powerful force that can break sidewalks, foundations, and even lift walls out of place. This is the biggest and most costly mistake I see. Know your landscaping trees before you plant them next to your home.

Under Power Lines
Know what's overhead.

Property Lines And Easements
This one can make enemies out of neighbors.

Underground Utilities, Sewers, And Septic Tanks

Besides the roots being able to break pipes and lines, you don't want to have to move or destroy a mature tree to fix a leak. Locate lines and plant away from them. Some trees can spread out much further underground than they do up top. Know what's underground.

Perspective

You need to keep in mind the mature size of trees in proportion to the size of your home and other landscaping elements. Large trees can dwarf a small home and small trees can look like shrubs placed around a very large home. Know the mature size of trees and keep them in perspective.

Hiding or framing a home

Consider the view from the street and other areas and consider the purpose of your trees. If you wish to seclude your home, you don't need much thought for that. However, if you only wish to frame or accent your home, you'll again need to consider the mature size and placement of your plantings.

Parking Areas

Here's another opportunity for birds and critters to make a mess of things. If possible, plant in accordance with the travel of the sun. And once again, know the mature canopy of your trees.

Usefulness And Cost Effectiveness

If you're going to make an investment in landscaping, look for ways to make it work for you. Placed properly, large trees can shade your home and reduce your cooling costs and vise versa. You can intentionally create shade for your shady garden, screen and divide areas, reduce noise, and a world of other applications if you just give it some thought.

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Both Mark Robinson & Steve Boulden are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Mark Robinson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Auto Insurance, Insurance Brokers and Auto Insurance. If you are planning to do a little then you may wish to discover more about. Mark Robinson's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.

Steve Boulden has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Careers and Job Hunting and Landscaping. Written by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of The Landscape Design Site which offers free professional landscaping advice, tips, plans, and ideas to do it yourselfers and homeowners. For more free information on. Steve Boulden's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.