Trees add value to your property, so choose them carefully

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Question: I've been thinking about planting a tree in my backyard. What kind to you recommend?

Answer: Fall is a great time to plant trees, and many nurseries offer a discount this late in the season. Trees add significant value to our properties in Colorado, so it is important to carefully consider what kind of tree will be best for your location.

The first thing to do is walk around your property and ask yourself questions. How tall do you want your tree to grow? Taller trees cast more shade and take longer to mature, but may block a desirable view at full height. Shorter trees can help provide privacy and wildlife benefits from providing a variety of canopy heights.

How much sun will your tree get? Where will the shade fall? Evergreens give year-round color, but also give year-round shade.
How much water will your tree get? Drip irrigation is a great way to efficiently water a tree, a boon in our dry climate.

Will it be exposed to a lot of wind? Our desiccating winds wreak havoc on broadleaf and exposed trees.

Next, figure out which trees might work for the spot you've chosen. Now you get to do a bit of homework. Look around your neighborhood and note which trees look the healthiest. Research the Colorado State University Extension horticulture Web site at www.ext.colostate.edu, where you will find information about tree height and water requirements.

In general, slower-growing trees are more disease resistant, so giving your new tree time to grow will pay off in better health. If growing time is limited, weigh the expense of buying a larger sapling.

We are fortunate to have several reputable nurseries and greenhouses around town. Their employees are helpful, experienced and knowledgeable. In fall, many of them offer a small discount, so it is a good time to buy, but the selection may be more limited than in spring.

Mark Phelan of Phelan Gardens, on Austin Bluffs Parkway, says fruit trees have been extremely popular this year. Our current economy seems to encourage more food-producing plants and trees in our yards.

Phelan cautions clients to ensure trees are hardy in our climate zone - most of El Paso County is in Zone 4 or 5. Depending on when our spring freezes happen, trees may produce no fruit some years. For example, we were hit with a freeze just as our apple trees were blossoming this past spring, so apple trees all along the Front Range have no fruit this year.

Phelan also recommends "Autumn Blaze" maple for fall color or "Purple Robe" locust for a faster-growing tree. The Chanticlear pear provides spring flowers, but minimal fruit, for those who want to avoid the litter fruits can leave.

For tall, slower-growing trees, Phelan says pin oaks or scarlet red oaks are good choices. Lindens are desired for their deep green leaves and heart-shape canopy. Newport plum is a tough, shorter tree that has deep purple leaves, adding color interest throughout the growing season.

Finally, how you plant your tree is critical for its long-term growth and health. CSU Extension recommends digging a large, bow-shaped hole and enriching the soil with compost. Most nurseries offer delivery and planting service, starting at about $50.
It is important to nurture your new planting for two to three years, especially winter watering, until it is established. You will know you've succeeded when it has new growth and flourishes.

CSU Extension stresses careful plant selection - "right plant, right place."

Submitted by Brook E. Mark, Colorado Master Gardener. Contact the El Paso County Help Desk at 636-8921 or csumg2@elpasoco.com.