How to choose trees, hedges and shrubs for your new yard

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With new developments, homeowners are often given a lot with a scrawny tree and perhaps a standard frost fence. But if you’re dreaming of a shady lounge area, a private retreat where the neighbors can’t see your garden, or you want to grow fruit trees, you need to know what works best. Sometimes we’re so eager for a lush indoor garden that we rush to buy varieties that are totally unsuitable for our space. We asked two experts for tips on creating a fabulous outdoor space with trees, hedges and shrubs.

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Do your homework

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Even in the smallest garden, the perfect tree, hedge or shrub can add shade, texture, color and beauty while anchoring your garden.

“Trees, hedges and shrubs are living beings; there are no silver bullets,” says Natacha Martin, owner of Oasis Urbain, a Montreal-based horticulture business.

Factors to consider in a landscaping project include the intended use – do you want your tree or shrub to provide shade, privacy or a decorative focal point – how much area you want to cover, whether there is a lot of wind, how much Sunlight your property gets and local council ordinances governing the types and sizes of trees you can plant, Martin adds.

“You also want to determine what type of design makes you feel at home and looks good with the surrounding architecture. You need a long-term view of trees and shrubs, while knowing that as the trees and large shrubs grow, you will have to adjust the garden,” she says.

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Before you go to a nursery to stock up on plants, find out what size and shape your tree or shrub will be when it’s fully grown; You should be sure you have enough space on your property for its branches and roots to grow. Ask how much sun, water, and maintenance or pruning it requires. Consider testing your soil to make sure it can provide adequate nutrients and drainage. And check if it’s a variety susceptible to disease or insects.

“It’s always best to use plants that have been shown to be well adapted to your area,” suggests Simon Moss, owner of Paramount Nursery in Ottawa, which also has offices in Toronto and a new location in Vaudreuil.

“Every few months, take a walk through an older neighborhood nearby to see what looks good in different seasons.”

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Choose the best place to plant

“First, look out your kitchen window or patio door to the back of the garden. That’s where you should put the most important piece to draw attention to it,” suggests Moss.

Assess your grow space by measuring where you plan to plant a tree or shrub, he adds.

“Consider the full height and width of your tree, hedge or shrub when fully grown to ensure full growth without restrictions,” he says.

Avoid common mistakes

Martin notes that some homeowners only choose fast-growing trees because they are impatient to fill their space.

“Other mistakes are not taking into account the mature size of the trees and shrubs and therefore planting too many plants or using species that grow too large,” she explains.

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Moss notes that homeowners think about matching the growing conditions to their trees. For example, Montreal is Zone 5.

“A hardiness zone refers to a geographic area that encompasses a range of climatic conditions relevant to a plant’s growth and survival. If you choose a product that doesn’t fall within your planting zone, the odds of survival aren’t promised,” he says.

Don’t skip reading the product description. This is the best way to find the ideal strains for your space and conditions. And if you’re not sure, ask a professional like a tree specialist at your local nursery, an arborist, or an urban forestry engineer, Martin suggests.

Treat yourself to quality plants

It may be more expensive — up to three times the price or more — but it’s worth buying a mature tree rather than a seedling in a 10-gallon pot, says Moss.

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“You get a tree with a larger root ball that captures more productive forage roots, more nutrient-rich soil, and less unproductive subsoil,” he says.

“The reduced depth eliminates the excess weight of the unrooted soil, and the oval shape of the root ball creates a shallower soil. This allows for easier handling, an upright plant and ball, and a shallower excavation when planting – all giving the tree or shrub a strong start in life.”

Choose low-maintenance hedges, shrubs, and trees that are also visually appealing, suggests Moss.

“Strive for year-round interest with evergreens and don’t shy away from color.”

Tall trees also do well in urban gardens as their height allows them to find available sunlight. Look for varieties that are interesting year-round, including flowers, berries, or gorgeous foliage. A few that thrive in urban areas are serviceberry, Japanese lilac, Amur maple, and Kwanzan flowering cherry.

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