Trees serve various functions. In our gardens we might use them for the shade they provide, to screen off the view of neighbouring properties, to block out the sounds from a busy road, or to provide food, shelter and roosting spots for our feathered friends and other creatures.
But trees take time to establish themselves. As the ancient Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” So, when selecting a young tree, you need to consider factors that ensure both you and future generations can benefit from your mature tree.
Herewith are some of the factors to consider when selecting a tree for your garden:
- Full grown size of the tree
When purchasing a tree, consider the average size of a mature tree of the same species. To find out this information ask the nursery, do some research on the internet or visit your nearest botanical garden to see if they have a mature specimen. Once you know its average mature size, check that this will fit in to your garden space. Remember that a tree is three-dimensional and should not be planted too close to a building or boundary wall where it could damage structures and lead to expensive repairs. - Indigenous vs Exotic
Indigenous trees, especially those that are naturally found in the area where you live, will generally fare better than most exotics because they have evolved to grow within your climatic conditions (e.g. rainfall, wind, temperature). They also have the benefit of having natural pest control in the form of birds and insects that control the populations of creatures that use the tree for their survival. - Growth Rate
Trees have a fast, medium or slow growth rate depending on the species and the conditions under which they are planted. Some trees can grow up to 2m per year (under optimal conditions) but often these are very large species, which may in time outgrow their space - particularly in small gardens. Many of our most beautiful indigenous trees are slow growers, so rather than selecting a tree based on its rate of growth, choose one with the characteristics that suit your space. - Evergreen vs deciduous
Decide whether you want a deciduous tree (loses its leaves in winter) or an evergreen tree. Although there is often a tendency to want to plant evergreen species - either for screening, year-round foliage, or to avoid a 'messy tree' - deciduous species only lose their leaves once a year (as opposed to evergreens which lose their leaves constantly), and some deciduous trees are some of our most beautiful species of all. Additionally, by planting a deciduous species, you could benefit from the cooling shade in summer but the warmth of additional sunshine in winter. - Water Requirements
It is important to find out whether a tree has high, medium or low water requirements. This will help you determine its suitability for your garden situation. In general, locally indigenous highveld species are waterwise, and once established will require minimal watering. - Frost-resistance
Find out if your tree is frost-resistant, especially if you live in an area that experiences frost. As a general rule, most young plants will need some frost protection in their first 2 seasons. - Wildlife Attractions
Trees attract various types of wildlife (birds, reptiles and insects) who use the tree, or parts of it, for various purposes (shelter, feeding, breeding, etc). If you have a specific desire such as attracting butterflies, find out which trees will best attract them to your area.
In conclusion, trees have a long lifespan (often exceeding 100 years), so we should view them as permanent fixtures when planting them. To learn more about indigenous trees and which ones to choose, read our Top 10 trees for small gardens article, visit our www.plantbook.co.za website, or ask your local indigenous nursery for assistance.
Hi Glenice
Thank you for your informative input. My question:
I planted a small macadamia nut tree about 3m from my house and about 1m from a prefab boundary wall as part of a little food forest I'm establishing. I cannot find info on whether its roots may cause future problems for the structures. Could you offer insight please?
Hi Jan
Thanks for visiting our site.
The roots of macadamia nut trees are not considered invasive, but it's recommended to plant it at least 4m from any structure.
Remember that a mature tree has a width of 6-8m so I'd recommend reconsidering the position to avoid putting pressure on the boundary wall. Also consider that you'd probably want to walk around the tree to harvest your nuts.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi Glenice, we are enjoying the garden you designed for us very much , and I hope that some of the people I recommended your service to have used your expertise. Would be awesome you could recommend a small tree for me for a pot of about 600x600x600mm. It is against a wall on the West side of our property.
Hi Elisabeth
Great to hear from you again.
You could perhaps consider the following trees:
- Calpurnia aurea (Calpurnia)
- Mundulea sericea (Corkbush)
- Karomia speciosa (Chinese hats)
Flourish!
Glenice
Good day
Our neighbours's trees are planted so close to our boundary wall, and it is a major hassle to deal with blocking drains and gutters, to name a few, previously the boundary wall fell and they decided we must share the bill ,and I refused. I still for see major issues of damage in the future, I don't know the name of the trees but the trees are like Christmas trees and have cones, I would like to know if the roots of the trees can cause more damage to the foundation of our house.
Thank you.
Hi Lenah
Thanks for visiting our site and sorry to hear about your ordeal.
It sounds like you'd need to have someone inspect your property to determine the exact species and the specifics of the situation. Perhaps contact an arborist in your area as they can provide this service.
Flourish!
Glenice
I have an 2 mtr area between my pool and the fencing where I want to plant something to hide the neighbouring house. Everything I seem to look at has got an invasive root system which will lift the paving or grow into the pool. Or it has got dropping leaves and flowers that will blow into the pool. It must be indegiouness (spelling) to KZN North Caost.
What kind of root system has Plambego got? Or maybe tall aloes. Or what can you suggest. It must get about 1.5 to 2 mt high. Thank you so much. Awaiting your advice.
We have 3 bigthorn trees next our pool, the leaves and yellow flowers is constantly in our pool and the kreepy can not handel it. We want 2/3 big trees to replace them ( must be evergreen) and can you plant them for us?
Hi Estelle
Thanks for visiting our website.
All trees will drop leaves, fruit and/or flowers at some stage in their growing cycle. An evergreen tree will loose leaves throughout the year, whereas a deciduous tree looses its leaves once a year. So, from a maintenance point of view, it may be easier to do a clean up once a year rather than throughout the year.
Some evergreen trees that you may consider are:
Apodytes dimidiata (White Pear)
Sideroxylon inerme (White Milkwood)
Flourish!
Glenice
However, if you'd .