Most garden projects are 90 percent preparation and 10 percent perspiration – and planning a yard filled with trees and shrubs is no different. After all, these woody ornamentals will be around awhile, so picking out the right ones to meet your gardening goals and planting them in the perfect spot takes a little figuring out.

Rhododendron and azalea
Rhododendron and azalea are showy when in bloom; for the remainder of the season, they’re foundation shrubs bearing lovely green foliage and dense texture.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/Donna Krischan
Installing large tree
Large trees offer instant maturity to any garden.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Tree fruit
The attraction of many trees and shrubs extend to their fruit, as well as their flowers.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting trees in garden
Trees in the landscape, the most permanent of our plantings, may take years (and then some) to grow tall and mature, but when planned for and planted properly, the wait is well-worth it.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

The first step is to examine your site’s physical and environmental characteristics. While many aspects of gardening are universal, others are profoundly influenced by regional and local conditions. The trees and shrubs that thrive in a cold mountainous environment are very different from those that flourish in a tropical climate. By knowing what grows in your specific corner of the world and planting what thrives there, you’ll create a garden that’s both beautiful and healthy.

You also need to think about what you want to achieve with your garden. Are you looking for cool shade on hot, sunny days? Do you want to enclose your garden with a stately evergreen hedge? Is it important to have a grassy sward for children to play on, or would you prefer a no-mow yard where groundcovers and shrubs take center stage? Your answers to these fundamental questions (and more) are the criteria you’ll use in designing the garden that suits you and your family.

A good way to organize your thoughts is to create a list of all major decisions that should be reviewed as you start a garden project. The list of questions presented here deals with the factors you should consider as you create your tree and shrub garden. A little time spent answering these questions will help ensure your landscape planting is a success.

Planning Your Project – Questions about your site

  • What are the climate conditions where you live, and in which USDA Hardiness Zone are you located?
  • What type of soil do you have? Is it rich with nutrients, or does it require amendments?
  • Is your site exposed to strong winds, or is it sheltered?
  • Have you identified any microclimates?
  • Is the planting space sunny or shady?
  • Is your home on a busy street, or does it neighbor a green space?
  • Will you need new garden features, structures or paths?
  • Are there any local codes, zoning restrictions or homeowner association requirements to consider?

Determining Objectives – Questions about your goals

  • What do you want to achieve with your tree and shrub planting?
  • Do you want to create shade by planting large trees, increase privacy by adding an evergreen hedge or block the wind with a windbreak?
  • Do you want to enhance your home with well-placed foundation plantings?
  • Do you want to add color to your landscape by including flowering shrubs or trees with good fall foliage?
  • How will your garden be used and by whom?
  • How do you want to express your personal style in the garden?

Planning – Questions about design

  • Have you developed a master garden plan?
  • Does your base map accurately show all your garden’s existing features?
  • Does it include garden systems (electricity, plumbing and lighting)?
  • Does it incorporate your objectives?
  • Does it use basic design principles (unity, scale and shape)?

Allocating Time and Scheduling – Questions about implementation

  • Is it the correct season for planting in your area, or would it be better to wait until a different time of year?
  • Do you have the time and resources to implement your plan all at once, or would you rather tackle the landscape one section at a time?
  • Which part of your plan will you complete first?
  • How long will each phase take?
  • What is the budget for each phase of your plan?
  • How long will it take you to install the project?
  • Where will you turn for advice or help?
  • Will you implement your plan alone or seek professional assistance?

Assessing Needs – Questions about soil preparation, materials and tools

  • Do you have any existing landscape elements (plants or structures) that need to be removed?
  • Have you assessed your soil’s texture, and has the soil been tested for fertility and pH?
  • Does the soil need to be amended?
  • Do you have all the tools and materials required for your project?
  • If you plan to install any irrigation or lighting systems, have you purchased all the necessary components and permits?
  • When will you build raised beds or install berms?
  • When will you get your trees and shrubs?
  • Will you need any installation help – either by friends or professionals?

Choosing Trees and Shrubs – Questions about plant selection

  • Where will you get your trees and shrubs from?
  • Is the source reputable, neat and orderly?
  • Does each tree and shrub you’ve selected have the right height, shape and form at maturity?
  • Is each plant well-adapted to your growing area and to the sun exposure it will receive?
  • Do the plants’ maintenance requirements match your lifestyle?
  • Have you examined the plants’ top growth and root systems to make sure they’re healthy?

Once you’ve got your questions answered, your plans drawn and your plants purchased, you’ll be ready to start digging!