How to Select a Tree (Part 1): Before You Plant, Read This
- nvilu7
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
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You already know I have a complicated relationship with trees—specifically the undead variety known as Chinese elm. But this post isn’t about them (we’ve suffered enough).
This is about something far more important:
why people plant trees… and how that decision can go spectacularly wrong.
Because if you get it wrong, you’re not just planting a tree—you’re planting a future expense, a maintenance headache, or a full-blown property problem.
A Quick Reality Check (From Experience)
At my old house in Pittsburgh, there was a massive maple tree dominating the front yard.
Nothing grew under it.
Not flowers. Not grass. Not even weeds.
I tested the soil under the maple and planted accordingly.
I added compost and fertilizer.
Nothing worked.
The only real solution? Remove the tree.
Did I consider that at the time? Of course not.
Years later, curiosity got the best of me. I checked the house on Google Earth—and the tree was gone. In its place? A lush, green lawn and full sun.
Lesson learned:
Sometimes the issue isn’t your gardening skills. It’s the tree.
Trees Are Not the Problem
Let’s be clear—trees are essential.
They:
Produce oxygen
Absorb carbon dioxide
Support wildlife
Reduce erosion
Improve air and water quality
Boost mental health
Organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation have shown that trees can even increase property value by up to 15%.
So no, trees aren’t the issue.
Bad tree decisions are.
The Redwood That Took Over the Backyard
My tree guy (we’ll call him Bill) told me a story that perfectly illustrates this.
A couple planted a redwood in their backyard.
Thirty years later:
The tree was over 100 feet tall
The trunk was 10+ feet in diameter
The roots had spread into neighboring yards
It threatened their foundation and utility lines
Their entire backyard? Gone. Just tree.
Cost to remove it? $15,000+
And the kicker?
The roots were still alive after removal.
They planted it for the “Pacific Northwest vibe.”
They got a financial and structural nightmare instead.
Why People Get This Wrong
According to Bill (who has made a 30-year career fixing these mistakes):
People plant trees because:
They want shade now
They like how the tree looks today
They assume “any tree = good decision”
What they don’t think about:
Mature size
Root spread
Maintenance
Long-term impact
And sometimes?
They move before their tree becomes a problem…and leave it for the next homeowner.
Why Are You Planting a Tree?
Before you plant anything, answer this question honestly.
For Environmental Impact
Great—but one tree won’t move the needle much.
If your goal is impact, consider also donating to conservation or large-scale reforestation projects.
To Support Wildlife
Love this.
But:
Make sure your yard can support a mature tree
Choose species that actually benefit local wildlife
Plan for long-term space and resources
For Erosion Control
Trees help—but they’re not your only option.
Consider adding shrubs with strong root systems that are not invasive (Google it) and improving soil with organic compost when planting.
Lower risk, less damage potential.
Replacing a Tree
Before you plant a replacement, ask:
Why was the original removed?
Was it too big?
Too close to utilities?
Diseased?
Do not recreate the problem.
To Increase Property Value
Yes, trees can increase value.
But the wrong tree can:
Crack foundations
Destroy sewer lines
Drop limbs on your house
That 15% value-add can disappear fast.
For Food (Fruit or Nut Trees)
Sounds idyllic.
Reality:
Fallen fruit = mess
Attracts pests
Requires regular cleanup
A solid pair of durable gardening gloves and sharp pruning shears will quickly become your best friends.
Also:
Birds will eat your fruit
And then redecorate everything below it 💩
For Mental Health
Absolutely valid.
But I promise you (from personal experience):
A tree lifting your garage floor is not calming.
Because They’re Beautiful
Yes.
But beauty comes with maintenance:
Leaves
Needles
Flowers
Branches
Debris
If you’re planning ahead, you’ll want tools like a sturdy digging shovel and a garden hose and reel to make ongoing care easier.
THINK BEFORE YOU PLANT
Planting a tree is not a casual decision.
It’s more like getting a dog or cat.
You are committing to:
Years (decades) of growth
Ongoing maintenance
Managing its impact on your property
And here’s the truth:
You can ignore a bad tree decision for years.
But eventually, it will cost you.
The Goal
The right tree:
Fits your space
Won’t damage your home
Enhances your yard
Requires manageable maintenance
And actually delivers what you wanted in the first place.
Shopping List
Tree Planting Essentials
Sturdy digging shovel
Organic compost for planting
Mulch for moisture retention
Maintenance Tools
Durable gardening gloves
Planning Tools
Measuring tape for spacing trees
Final Thought
It takes just as long to choose the right tree as it does to choose the wrong one.
The difference?
One gives you decades of enjoyment.
The other gives you a $15,000 problem.
Up Next: Part 2
In Part 2, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the right tree for your space—without guesswork.
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