How to Select Trees and Shrubs for Your Yard

The type of trees and shrubs you select for your yard will depend on your climate and the position that you want to grow them in. If you have an area of deep shade, you cannot expect a sun-loving tree to do well there. Similarly, shrubs that are shade lovers will not do for an exposed, sunny bank.

Soil type is another consideration. Soil varies from rich loam that is suitable for many plants, to clays, sandy soil and soil that is full of small pebbles. It can be acidic or alkaline too, so to see what type of soil you have, dig some up and inspect it, or get a soil testing kit from your local nursery.

Most nurseries will be able to tell you what soil your local area has in general, but there could be pockets of variations caused by excess moisture, or old building sites or something else that happened there many years ago. In fact, very often when earth is being leveled to construct homes, bulldozers simply remove all the topsoil and it never gets put back properly. If it does, it is mixed with the clay subsoil to such a degree that many years are required for recovery.

So, once you find out what sort of soil you have, and amend it if necessary, then you can begin to choose your shrubs and trees. Study books and magazines because then you’ll be able to find out what habits the trees and shrubs you like have and whether the roots are too invasive to place near house foundations. The type of seeds they drop is important too. If you have a young family - or plan to have one soon, some seeds and pods are really attractive to children - and poisonous! Others - like the bauhinia - dry into sharp slivers that can hide in the grass just waiting to puncture a tiny, bare foot.

Make a list of trees and shrubs that you like and find out all the pros and cons of their growth and habits, then select the most suitable ones. Never go to a nursery without your list, or you’ll be tempted to buy something that takes your fancy and it could be quite unsuitable.

Another reason for choosing certain trees and shrubs could be to attract beautiful birds such as hummingbirds to your garden. Given the right foliage, food, nesting places and safe perches - not to mention water - birds will be sure to frequent your garden even if it is in the suburbs. But make sure you don’t attract those pesky ones that may eat your flower buds or vegetables.

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