SHADE TREES

 I have heard this over and over again- “If you are going to do any planting when you purchase or build a new home, consider planting trees first”. We know trees take the longest to mature so it is good to get them in the ground early in your landscape. They also tend to add more value to your investment than other plants over a period, but of course are initially more expensive. Over the years the number of varieties of deciduous trees have dwindled because of insect and disease problems: American Elm, Green and other Ash trees; varieties of white bark birch, oak and more recently Beech Trees are some of the varieties. The front yard is often the best place to start; trees increase the value of a home more when planted in the front yard with some exceptions. Also, consider future areas where you will want shade like decks and patios. Shading the structure of the house itself can help reduce the cost of air conditioning. Also some other considerations when planting shade trees are ultimate height and spread, speed of growth, withstanding wind and storm damage, septic system locations, location of property lines and right of ways, government ordinances, insects and disease, attributes to the wildlife, how it will effect your entire landscaping in the future, and of course fall color. Maples are still some of the best shade trees; in our inventory we have Autumn Blaze Maple, Red Sunset Maple, Crimson King Maples, October Glory, Burgundy, Belle and a variety of Sugar Maple. 

Trees
I think that I shall never see a poem so lovely as a tree; A tree whose hungry mouth has pressed against earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day; and lifts her leafy arms to pray. A tree that in Summer wears a nest of robins in her hair; upon her bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree!
Joyce Kilmore 1886-1918