As a homeowner, you appreciate the value trees add to your property. Do you know which trees grow best where you live? Just because you love that family oak tree doesn’t mean it will grow well where your home is. We’ve compiled a checklist to help Medford, OR gardeners and tree lovers determine what kinds of trees you could plant, which kinds will benefit your landscape the best, and where best to plant them.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness zones for trees are the first consideration when choosing trees. The USDA created a handy map to help you, breaking North America up into 11 growth zones based on average coldest temperatures. Medford residents are in Zone 8, so apple trees and azaleas make good choices.
Soil Tests
Another consideration is your soil type. You can buy soil tests to find out the pH and nutrient level of your land or get a more detailed test from your local county office. These levels can be altered slightly with care. One thing you really need to take note of is the soil texture, either sand, silt, or clay. Trees needing a lot of moisture do not fare well in sand, and trees needing excellent drainage wither in clay.
Acreage Available
When you choose your trees, consider their maximum size, specifically how far their root system will reach outward and downward. You also want to note what shape they will be when grown, tall and narrow or short and wide. Plan your space so the trees have room to grow, don’t block light from other plants, and shade areas you want shaded.
Growing Habits
Plants have good and bad growth habits. Things you should note are how much debris or fallen fruit you will have to deal with, what kind of sap issues you’ll face, how easily branches break from added weight or increased wind, and what level of maintenance they will require.
If you need help choosing new trees for the spring or just need help understanding what the trees you like will mean for your home, call Bumgardners Landscaping in Medford, OR today to schedule an appointment with our highly trained tree specialists.
