Imagine that you arrive at your first appointment of the day and your customer eagerly comes bounding out the front door of the house to greet you. The customer enthusiastically directs you to plant the new tree right there because it will provide just the right amount of shade for the children to play during the hot summer months.
You’re a little concerned about planting the tree so close to the house, but you’re customer service-oriented and what the customer wants, the customer gets… right?
Not so fast.
Planning before you plant can prevent costly maintenance trimming, damage to your home and enhance the property value.
Here are some easy-to-follow placement guidelines provided by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Tall zones
Trees that grow 60 feet (20 m) or taller can be used in the area marked “tall zone.” Feet should be planted at least 35 feet (10.7 m) away from the house to allow for root development and minimize damage to the structure. Large growing trees can be planted along streets without overhead restrictions. To ensure ample space for root systems, trunk diameter and trunk flare, the planting site should be at least 8 feet.
Medium zones
Medium-size trees that grow up to 40 feet (12 m) can be used to frame structures or create a park-like setting. Ideal locations include wide planting areas or medians 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 m) wide, and large planting squares 8 feet (2.4 m) or greater.
Low zones
Trees with a mature height of 20 feet (6 m) or less can be planted anywhere in the low zone, which extends 15 feet (4.5 m) on either side of electrical wires. Low zone trees will also grow where soil volumes are too limited to support larger trees.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation during a customer call? Tell us, how did you manage it?
Information is courtesy of the International Society of Arboriculture. Learn more at TreesAreGood.org.