Time to Plant: Part 1 - Pick the "Right Tree for the Right Place!"

Welcome, March! Spring is finally near, which means it’s a great time to start thinking about tree planting. This blog post is Part 1 of a series of 3 posts that will help guide you in planting a new tree this year. Most importantly, now is the time to start researching so you can choose the best tree to plant for your yard, your goals, and your long-term maintenance needs.​

Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Place

Recently, we had the pleasure of helping a customer select a replacement tree after we removed one from their front yard. They wanted shade near their driveway and more privacy for their home. However, the planting location came with limitations. Nearby mature trees and a power line would restrict canopy space as the tree grew.

With those factors in mind, we recommended a Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgos tolerate heat, perform well as street trees, and grow successfully in somewhat confined spaces. On top of that, the customer loved the aesthetics of this tree and its gorgeous yellow fall color. As a result, Ginkgos make a great choice for southeastern Nebraska, especially when homeowners want beauty, shade, and reliable long-term performance.

Choosing a Tree Takes More Than Picking the Prettiest One

Choosing a tree involves more than picking what looks good at the nursery. Responsible planting starts with selecting the “right tree for the right place.” When you plan ahead, you reduce future pruning needs, avoid common conflicts, and help your tree thrive for decades.

Step 1: Decide the Purpose of Your Tree

First, ask yourself: what do you want the tree to do?

• Shade & Cooling

Shade is one of the biggest benefits of planting a tree. Trees cool your yard by blocking sunlight, and they add moisture to the air through transpiration. Since the sun’s path changes throughout the year, plan for where you want shade during the hottest part of summer and at the time of day you need it most.

• Aesthetics

Trees add height, color, texture, and structure to a landscape. They can frame your home, soften open spaces, and create a more finished look. Before you plant, consider how the tree will look from the street and from inside your home.

• Privacy & Wind-breaking

For privacy, low-branching conifers provide coverage year-round. However, a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees can also work well while adding variety. In addition, trees can reduce wind, dust, noise, and light when planted strategically.

• Creating Boundaries

If you want to define property lines, a small, narrow-crowned tree can provide structure without taking up too much space.

Step 2: Plan for Mature Size (Not Nursery Size)

This is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a tree. A tree that looks small now will look very different in 10–20 years. Because of that, always consider mature height, canopy spread, and root space before planting.

Although pruning can help keep branches off sidewalks, driveways, and roofs, choosing the right tree from the start reduces long-term maintenance. In other words, planning now helps you pick the best tree to plant in that exact spot.

Location considerations to check before you plant

• Power lines
• Existing trees
• Buildings, decks, and gazebos
• Driveways, streets, and sidewalks
• Space available for root spread

Step 3: Understand Crown Shape Before You Plant

[caption id="attachment_561" align="alignnone" width="526"] Trees mature into a variety of canopy shapes.[/caption]

Young trees often look similar at the nursery, but crown shape changes everything over time. Some trees develop wide canopies, while others stay more upright. By researching mature crown shape now, you avoid future crowding and conflicts.

Step 4: Match Your Tree to Your Site Conditions

[caption id="attachment_562" align="alignright" width="293"] Typical root spread of a mature tree.[/caption]

 

The best tree to plant is one that matches your soil, drainage, light conditions, and climate.

• Soil & Drainage

Start by identifying your soil type. Sandy soil drains quickly and often needs more frequent watering. Clay-heavy soil holds water longer and can lead to root problems if drainage is poor.

To test drainage:

1. Dig a 12x12x12 hole in the planting site.
2. Fill the hole with water.
3. Watch how long it takes to drain.

If the water drains in fewer than three hours, the site has excellent drainage. Also, keep in mind that compacted soil (often found in high-traffic areas) drains poorly and limits root growth.

• Pests & Diseases

Research common pests and diseases before selecting a tree. If you want fewer long-term issues, choose species or cultivars with better resistance. For example, Valley Forge Elm resists Dutch Elm Disease more effectively than American Elm. Trees like Ginkgo and Bur Oak also resist many pests.

• Climate & Hardiness Zones (Omaha is Zone 5–6)

Omaha, Nebraska falls in Hardiness Zones 5–6. Because of that, choose trees that can handle winter cold, summer heat, and rapid seasonal changes. Always confirm that a tree fits our local climate before planting.

• Light Requirements

Match the tree to the sunlight in your yard. Some trees need full sun, while others tolerate shade. Take note of how much light the planting site receives throughout the day and how that changes as nearby trees leaf out.

Best Trees to Plant for Drainage Conditions

Drainage makes a big difference in tree success. Here are some solid options based on drainage conditions.

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Good Trees for POOR Drainage

• Bur Oak
• River Birch
• Red Maple
• Sweetgum
• PawPaw
• Hornbeam / Ironwood
• Sycamore
• Bald-cypress

Good Trees for GOOD Drainage

• Red Oak
• Ginkgo
• Bur Oak
• Japanese Tree Lilac
• Sassafras
• American Yellowwood
• London Plane Tree
• Ohio Buckeye
• Amur Maple
• PawPaw
• Hackberry

Don’t Forget Fruit, Flowers, and “Tree Litter”

Every tree drops something. Because of that, think about how much cleanup you’re willing to do and where you plan to plant.

• Bur Oaks drop large acorns, so avoid planting them over a driveway or street.
• Crabapples, female Ginkgos, and Walnuts produce messy fruit, so plant them over grass or mulch instead of sidewalks.
• Lindens, tulip trees, and maples drop samaras (“helicopters”) that may clog gutters.
• Kentucky Coffee Trees and Catalpas drop large seed pods that may require seasonal raking.

Final Thoughts: Start Planning Now for Long-Term Success

Tree planting is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your landscape. A well-chosen tree provides shade, privacy, beauty, and value for decades. By considering purpose, mature size, crown shape, site conditions, and maintenance needs, you can confidently choose the right tree for the right place and select the best tree to plant for your home from the best trees to plant in our area.

Whew! That's a lot to consider!

So it's time to do some research. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need some suggestions or insight from a Certified Arborist!

Additional resources that may help you in your decision process:

• Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's Tree of the Year
• Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's Conifer of the Year
• Native Trees & Shrubs for Nebraska
• Trees for Eastern Nebraska
• ReTree's Top 15 Trees for 2015 (with pictures!)

Stay tuned for Part 2: Purchasing your New Tree

  BOOK AN ARBORIST CONSULTATION

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Sources:
US Forest Service: The Right Tree for the Right Place
Arbor Day: Right Tree in the Right Place
Trees for Poorly Drained Soils