Types of Trees for Your Viriginia Property

Types of Trees for Your Virginia Property

Beautiful, leafy trees can transform your yard from drab to the envy of your neighborhood. If you live in Virginia and are considering adding some trees to your property, you need to consider factors such as what species thrive in our climate. Planting a tree without proper planning can lead to an unhealthy tree or even damage to your property.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some common trees in Virginia and some factors every property owner should consider before adding a tree to their yard. The process is more complex than digging a hole and planting a sapling, so be sure you get all the information you can before proceeding.

Factors to Consider Before Planting a Tree on Your Property

Here are the six main factors you should consider before planting any tree in your yard.

1. Your property: The tree you choose should look good and live a healthy life with the other plants on your property. Feel free to take photos of the landscaping in your yard before choosing your tree. Show these pictures to a plant nursery professional to learn what trees would thrive with your existing plants.
2. The amount of sunlight: Your tree will need a specific amount of sunlight to grow, flower and even bear fruit. Learn how much sunlight your new tree will need and ensure you can provide the right conditions in your yard before planting.
3. The soil: Everyone who has ever cared for a plant in the wrong soil knows how hard it is for the plant to thrive. Various trees require different conditions, and planting a tree in incompatible soil can lead to a sickly tree. Choose a tree that matches your property's existing soil for the best results possible.
4. Available height: The height trees can reach may surprise you when you look at them as a tiny sapling. Make sure there are no power lines or overhanging structures above wherever you choose to plant your tree. And of course, know how tall your tree can grow before planting.
5. Available width: Trees also grow to various widths and can take up a lot of space. If you plant your tree in an area without adequate area to spread its branches, you’ll have to prune constantly, which can be bad for your tree’s long-term health.
6. Your lawn: Know whether your lawn can support the deep root structures needed for a healthy tree. Tree roots will grow toward your lawn’s surface if it is shallow or consistently wet. Shallow root structures will weaken your tree, which can put your family and your property at risk during high winds or heavy storms.

Popular Trees in Virginia for Planting and Growing

As a home or business owner in Virginia, you should consider planting Virginia trees on your property. Local trees will be familiar with the climate and soil type in your area, increasing their chances of growing strong and healthy. Plus, wildlife will know how to interact with the tree, making for a more vibrant and natural ecosystem. It’s no coincidence that some of the most common trees in Virginia are also the most popular for planting.

Here is a list of some types of trees in Virginia you might consider planting.

• Eastern redbud: This elegant tree flowers in the early spring to help you celebrate the end of winter. Beautiful heart-shaped, lime-green leaves appear during the summer, and these explode into an array of orange and yellow to mark autumn’s arrival. If your yard has space constraints, you can plant your eastern redbud with confidence, as it only grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 35 feet in width. Plant this tree in a partly shaded area with fast-draining soil.
• Flowering dogwood: The flowering dogwood will enhance your property, whether you plant it by your back patio or by itself in the front yard. Its four-inch-wide white flowers will stun onlookers, and this tree’s beautiful shape still looks graceful in the winter after its flowers and leaves have fallen. Most dogwood trees grow anywhere from 15 to 20 feet tall, making them ideal if you have space restrictions. The Commonwealth of Virginia has even recognized this tree’s appeal by making it the official state flower.
• Crepe myrtle: You can grow the crepe myrtle as either a small tree or a shrub, depending on your desires and property restrictions. When grown as a tree, the crepe myrtle can reach heights of up to 12 feet after 10 years of growth. This tree is unique for its ability to bloom anytime from June through late September. It can even bloom the entire time with the right conditions. Give it several hours of direct sun per day. The more sun, the more flowers you’ll experience.
• Ornamental cherry trees: Flowering cherry trees are popular in the Washington, D.C., area during springtime. Now, you can skip the road trip and enjoy these gorgeous trees’ delicate beauty in the comfort of your backyard. With many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the right size and style for your lawn. Always ask a tree specialist for information on how to care for your ornamental cherry tree.

Caring for Your Trees

Caring for your trees is an essential part of maintaining your curb appeal and ensuring your new tree grows healthy and strong. Here are three specialized services you should seek when choosing to grow trees on your property.

• Tree pruning: Professional tree pruning and trimming services are essential to your trees’ health. Haphazardly cutting and trimming your trees can shorten their lifespan and cause them to become unstable. Instead, let trained professionals handle your pruning needs to keep your trees in excellent shape for years to come.
• Deep root fertilization: Deep root fertilization helps nourish your tree’s roots by making the soil conditions more suitable. Breaking up compact soil is a critical part of allowing a tree’s roots to grow deep and strong. Invest in your tree’s well-being by ensuring your soil meets the ideal specifications for growth.
• Tree evaluation: Conducting a professional tree evaluation is one of the most critical things you can do for the well-being of all the trees on your property. An arborist will inspect your mature trees yearly to ensure they are staying healthy so you can enjoy them for many more years. The arborist will suggest measures you can take to revive dying trees and help you prevent a decline in the health of your favorite trees.

Contact Richard’s Tree Service Today

At Richard’s Tree Service, we provide commercial and residential services to help the trees on your property stay healthy, happy and beautiful. Unlike other landscaping companies that only focus on the visuals, we employ certified arborists who can get to the root of all your tree needs. Your trees’ health is something you should take seriously, and our arborists are ready to help you achieve the healthiest trees possible.

Look at our list of areas served and contact us online today to take the next step toward having healthier trees on your property. We look forward to serving you!