Ron Patterson | EastIdahoNews.com
When selecting trees for your home landscape, you need to consider more than just fast shade. While most trees do have a place where they are appropriate, there are a few that should never be planted in eastern Idaho. Future posts will cover some trees to consider and site selection and preparation.
I used to do landscape maintenance work, putting myself through school and helping my children learn the value of work. On occasion, I would get a request to prune a tree that was just too big. If you are concerned about the size of a tree, it is the wrong tree for that location. Always consider the mature size of the tree. Never plant a tree “just because you like it.” Make sure it fits all the other site parameters.
Here are some keywords I will use:
Trashy—many small branches on the ground after windstorms
Weedy—seedlings frequently show up in undesirable locations
Invasive—causes unbalance in natural habitats for wildlife and native plants
Weak wood—frequent damage from large branches which break easily, susceptible to heart rot
Slime flux (bacterial wet wood)—unsightly sap streaks
Invasive roots—roots tend to interfere with septic and water systems
Pest problems—usually will refer to borers that weaken the tree; may include surface insect pests and diseases
Iron chlorosis—new leaves turn yellow with dark veins
Suckering—roots send up suckers throughout the landscape
Too large—should not be planted in yards that are less than one acre
Short-lived—typical of fast-growing trees, reach maturity and senescence faster than most trees
Ron Patterson | EastIdahoNews.com
Never plant in eastern Idaho
Don’t plant in home landscapes
Plant with caution
Selecting the right tree can provide a pleasant environment, or cause headaches down the road. You choose.
The post Why you should avoid planting these trees in eastern Idaho appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com