If you are on the market for some new trees to plant in your yard, it is in your best interest to choose specimens that are well-suited for your region’s hardiness zone, as well as, your property, your needs, and your budget. In addition to finding trees that meet all of these needs, it is important to also choose trees that are strong and resilient, especially if you live in a region that experiences heavy winds and storms.
Continue reading to learn what to look for when shopping around for a tree that will stand up to inclement weather and harsh seasonal elements.
There is a method when shopping for a tree.
Most people simply choose a tree that looks good to them, but there are certain features you should be concentrating on in order to gain an accurate picture of the tree’s growth potential. These foretelling features include stem solidity, branch size, branch spacing, joint vigor, and foliage distribution. These attributes will give you a clear idea as to how dependable a tree will be after it is replanted.
☑ Stem Solidity
The central stem system is an important factor in choosing a strong tree. When young, you can hardly call a tree trunk a “trunk” since it is skinny and has a closer resemblance of a stalk or stem. This makes it even more important to choose a tree that appears to have a strong, robust, thick stem. The general rule of thumb is that a single stem should be about half of the overall mass of the tree.
☑ Branches
Branch size and spacing are important indicators of future tree health. If the branches begin to branch off early on in the stem, it could be a sign of a defective tree. Furthermore, you need to choose a specimen that has strong, sturdy branches that are a little less than half the diameter of the stem at the point where they connect to the stem. Spacing is also central. Branches that are clustered together or too close can indicate that a tree might experience stress or weight distribution problems in the future.
☑ Joint Vigor
As mentioned, you want to find a specimen that has joints that are sturdy, thick, and strong. You do not want to see branches attached by flimsy or weakened joints. This can lead to large branches sagging or bending, causing obstructions and poor curb appeal. Branch joints should be a little less than 1/2 the diameter of the stem.
☑ Foliage Distribution
The extent of foliage spreading is also a key performance indicator to consider. Good foliage spread are those that cover at least two-thirds of the stem of each branch. Lower branches that have a decent foliage spread can boost sturdier diameter growth, which can lead to an improved taper, overall.