Better Homes Gardens USA April 2019

PLANTING

A TREE

Choose the right species,

give it a good start,

and you’ll have a lifelong

companion.

70 | April 2019 BY BARBARA DAMROSCH ILLUSTRATION LA SCARLATTE/MAGNET REPS

the dirt

IS STAKING

NECESSARY?

Unstaked

trees develop

stronger trunks.

Stake only if

your site gets lots

of wind.

WATER NEEDS

Water new trees

at least weekly and

daily in dry

weather. Use soil

to build a water-

holding berm

around the tree. A

couple inches of

mulch will also help,

but keep it

6 inches away from

the trunk to prevent

fungal decay.

One of the great joys of owning a

home is planting a tree. It not only

creates a sense of permanence

but also is an investment that pays

off in added curb appeal, shade,

privacy, or fruit. Before you grab the

first crabapple that catches your

eye, though, check with your local

extension service or nursery to zero

in on the right tree for your needs,

climate, and yard size. Also consider a

tolerate waterlogged

ground and deep shade.

You’ll also want to leave

roof or walls.

planting how-tos.

NATIVE

TREES

Because they’ve

adapted to our

habitats, North

American natives

often require less

care and benefit

Our expert Barbara

Damrosch suggests

the following as

well-suited to today’s

more compact yards.

n

serviceberry

SOUTHEAST

n (^) Eastern redbud
n (^) Two-winged silverbell
n (^) Flowering dogwood
(Cornus florida)
SOUTHWEST
n (^) Blue palo verde
n (^) Western redbud
MIDWEST
n (^) ‘Winter King’ green
hawthorn
n
n
NORTHWEST
n (^) Pacific dogwood
n (^) Vine maple
n (^) Saskatoon
serviceberry