With Spring rapidly approaching, perhaps you’ve already given some thought as to how you are going to spruce up your yard. Whether you’re only planting a few flowers, or doing some major reconstructive landscaping, location is key. The fact of the matter is that trees and plants grow, and though that leafy twig may not seem like much now, after a few years it can transform itself into a mammoth monster of a tree. That is why it is important to plan out where to plant new trees, and how to maintain already growing trees.

We all enjoy the shade of a nice cool tree on a summer day, but that same tree, though a wonderful provider of shade, could easily topple and fall during a storm, damaging property. Not only is there potential for damage from above, the trees roots may also damage building structures and foundations underground. Also, their proximity to power lines and utility poles is of great concern. Keep the taller trees away from these areas. The trees can fall becoming entangled in the lines. Not to mention, if the city believes your tree’s branches are too close to the lines, they have the right to trim those branches, and normally it is not a very aesthetically pleasing pruning. Wouldn’t it make sense to plan ahead and simply space your tree a safe distance away? Indeed it would.

The Arbor Day Foundation suggests the following distances respective to tree sizes. Trees considered small are those growing 30 feet or less. These include flowering trees, shrubs, and fruit trees. They should have 6 to 15 feet between them and other trees and should be planted 8 to 10 feet from the walls of any building. Medium sized trees are those ranging from 30 to 70 feet in height. They should be planted 30 to 40 feet from other trees and at least 15 feet away from any building. The large trees like maples, oaks, spruces, and pines are those that grow 70 feet or more. These trees should be planted 40 to 50 feet away from other trees and at least 20 feet away from any building.

Below are some handy illustrations provided by the Arbor Day Foundation to assist you in your planning. More valuable information about trees, including theses illustrations, can be found at www.arborday.org.