How to Decide Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard

Consider the Purpose

• Determine why you want the tree. Will it be used for shade, or as an attractive specimen tree? Maybe you want something that will block the wind or the view of your neighbor's house, or maybe you want to eventually build a tree house for your children in it. The purpose of the tree will determine its location. For example, if you want to provide some shade for your deck, you want to situate the tree where it will eventually block the hot afternoon sun.

Consider the Size

• Look up, and look down: The size of your tree will also determine the best location. You don't want to select a location where the tree is eventually going to bump up against the side of your house, a fence or overhead power lines. Many popular shade trees, such as Norway maples (Acer plantanoides), grow quite large. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7, the Norway maple can reach heights and widths of 50 feet -- which means it might not easily fit in many home landscapes. Instead, consider a smaller shade tree, such as a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). "Bloodgood" (Acer palmatum "Bloodgood") is a Japanese maple that reaches a maximum height and canopy width of around 20 feet and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Consider the Culture

• Take into account what your tree will need. If it thrives in full sun, you need to locate it in an open area where it will get plenty of sun exposure -- especially when it is a sapling. Many trees are water hogs. If the tree needs consistently moist soil, such as weeping willows (Salix babylonica) do, locate it near a stream or pond. Climate is also very important. Many trees are either cold-hardy or heat-hardy, but not both. The weeping willow, for example, is hardy only in USDA zones 6 through 8 -- it will not grow in tropical or subtropical climates.

Consider Your Guests

• Many trees have their downsides. Some drop fruit quicker than the birds can eat it, especially trees that produce berries. This leaves a sticky mess on the ground. Others drop what seems like tons of leaves. Still others -- many that grow quickly -- have weak wood, which means a minor wind or ice storm can leave your tree missing several branches. If you are planting a tree that has one of these issues, locate it away from where people tend to gather. No one will enjoy a barbecue or pool party if leaves are dropping on their head and berries are staining the patio. Palm trees are low-litter trees that are excellent near a pool or patio. Try the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), which is an attractive, tough little palm hardy in USDA zones 7b through 10.

Consider the Roots

• Many trees -- fast-growing shade trees in particular -- have shallow roots that spread far beyond their canopies in their search for water. These roots can be invasive -- they can lift up and crack sidewalks and driveways, clog sewer lines and interfere with lawn growth. Instead, plant trees that have smaller root systems near sidewalks and pavement. The maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba "Fastigiata") is recommended by the Virginia Cooperative Extension for planting near structures. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and has showy fall foliage. Another recommended tree is the American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), a needled evergreen that has a narrow, columnar shape and is so hardy that it can sometimes be considered invasive. It grows best in USDA zones 2 through 7.