CONTRIBUTED CONTENT: Right tree, right location

A few weeks back, I visited two very different yards for a walkthrough of pruning. They were back-to-back visits and only a mile and a half apart. At each visit, both the husbands were involved in the entire discussion and very pleasant folks to meet. That is where similarities ended, however.

At the first home, while the yard was mature, private and with large shade patterns, there were some real issues. My chest slightly grew tight. The feeling of anxiety rose inside me. A red maple had severe stem girdling roots, an ornamental cherry was struggling to survive past winter desiccation. A Canadian choke cherry had black knot disease and a large Norway maple was outgrowing its location. In reality, all the trees were. Branches were out over other yards and house roofs, roots were raising fence panels, wrecking sprinkler lines and busting concrete edging. 

In short, with some trepidation, I shared what the future challenges would be. While the trees all had some contributing factors, it became real clear that these trees were only going to increase in future problems as they grew. The hard choice was made to remove trees and come up with a new landscape design and better suited trees for that plan.

In the other yard an hour later, again with another lovely couple, we walked into the backyard and any anxiety faded. I took a deep breath and a smile grew both on my face and inside my soul. What a different vibe! I could have sat down in that yard and enjoyed the Zen of it for hours! Both mature and newly planted trees greeting me. A mature oak with all the room to grow graced the southeast corner, offering filtered morning light through its grand canopy. A flowering dogwood appreciated being under the canopy of two towering ponderosa pines in the center. A lilac allowed full space to blossom in the middle. A mature mountain ash rounded out the southwest side, its canopy offering filtered privacy. A few of the ornamental and shade trees needed small detail pruning only to increase their contribution to the yard. No harsh, root removal, fence repair, sprinkler rework or plant health care treatments were needed.

As we near the beginning of September when temperatures are more conducive to planting, we will again start tree installation projects. Remember, choosing the right tree for the right location will ensure years of enjoyment.

As always, for other tree-related questions, quotes or consultations, give us a call today, 208-762-5800!

For more information on Grace Tree Service, check out our website at gracetreeservice.com.