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Beautiful elm tree showing its yellow winter leaves in Burwood landscape design

Choosing the perfect tree for your garden

February 8, 2019
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Landscape Design, Plants
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Posted by Parveen

Role of a tree

A tree is a key piece in your garden framework.  Depending on the tree of choice, it will add height and beauty to your garden and determines which part of it is shaded.  Its an important investment to realise your dream garden’s full potential!  So choosing the perfect tree is key for designing your dream garden!

How trees help wildlife

There is a current trend in design to incorporate plants and trees that encourage wildlife to visit and stay in your garden.  It’s an encouraging trend which is definitely here to stay.

Whilst many of us have surrepticiously built in plants into our designs which meet the above objective.  It’s really nice to actually have that as a strong requirement in our client briefs these days!  It’s really rewarding and such a lovely thing, when the garden is built, to be rewarded with chirps and chirrups from wildlife.

Trees are a necessity to achieve that objective.  They provide shade and are therefore a place to rest for wildlife from the surrounding heat on a hot summers day.  I’ve seen at least 10 different types of birds visiting my mums garden, hidden in the branches of different trees.

It’s such a delight when wildlife come and visit and so important for the younger generation to understand and learn from.  Their awe and amazement is simply beautiful to watch.  And invigorating!

Choosing the perfect tree is a decision that pays off by attracting different types of wildlife for different reasons.  Birds, lizards, and insects of all kinds finds numerous benefit from the tree in different ways.  It could be the dripping nectar from the flowers, delicious edibles it produces, worms in the leaf mulch underneath or nesting material (leaves, bark etc) they can make use of!

Camberwell

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Ashburton B

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Blackburn

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Blackburn

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Doncaster East

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Choosing the perfect tree

Decide whether you want a fast growing tree or a slow grower. A consideration would be whether you’re staying at that property long term and therefore cannot wait that long to enjoy its full benefits (visually or otherwise)

Check the plant label and determine what their spacial considerations are.  Ie how tall and how wide will the tree grow and whether your space will accommodate it in the long term.  A common complaint we’ve had from our garden consults is that many house buyers inherit gardens that have trees planted in them which are too numerous or too large for the space concerned.    It results in a costly exercise for removal for the buyer concerned.  Similarly, if this is your garden, you don’t want to inherit a maintenance nightmare down the track!

Whilst on the maintenance topic – both evergreens and deciduous trees drop their leaves.  However, consider whether you can withstand the one off “major mess” created in autumn when deciduous trees do when they lose all of their leaves.  Can you balance that with the wonderful seasonal colour they offer?

What’s also important is where you source the tree from.  Contact a trusted nursery or designer and look for tell tale signs of illness when choosing your tree.  Make sure that your tree is not pot bound and watch out for bare rooted season as that’s when you’ll source them cheaper especially if you’re not after a few!

Kuala Lumpur - Papaya

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Glen Waverley

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Blackburn

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Kew

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Maribyrnong

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Choosing the perfect tree that will provide fruits and nuts

Pick what fruit or nut tree you like best, consider its maintenance needs and other practical needs such as space then go for it!

The general rule when choosing a specimen is to have good branching and a good graft point (if the tree is grafted).

There is a trend towards going for heirloom varieties these days which is actually a great thing as it keeps our fruit and nut DNA pool varied but whatever the choice, make it right for you!

How to decide where to site the tree

Picking the right spot is key.

In practice, most councils advise against having hardscapes (paving, driveways etc) and major structures less than approximately 2 metres away from significant or large trees.  So make sure that your chosen tree spot meets the relevant regulatory requirements and check with your council if in doubt.

Locate underground assets by contacting dial before you dig on a toll free number so that you can be contacted by the various authorities such as Telstra, the council, energy and water providers who have underground assets running through your property.  It’s an important step and one that should not be avoided in planning your garden design and tree location.

Some trees roots find water.  Figs and lemon trees for example are known to do that despite being relatively shallow rooted.  Some water authorities have useful guides about what trees shouldn’t be planted near water pipes and water sources.  Some of these documents even to go the extent of listing minimum distances each specific tree type.  Knowing this information enables you to design your garden layout better.

You’d need to consider whether your tree is a shade tree and therefore, what part of the garden you’d like shaded.

Easements may be an area that can be planted – some councils will allow planting at the owners risk and as long as the plants concerned at shallow rooted.  If the council needs access, the owners risk losing the plants or trees.

Stay emotionally connected

The above covers practical aspects in choosing a tree.

What’s the emotional connection about?  Like all aspects of garden design, you need an emotional connection to the resulting garden and as discussed above, a tree is a major feature in the garden.  Therefore, its important that the tree feels right for you.

So what does that mean?

The fact that the tree needs to be aesthetically pleasing is a given – choose what appeals about the tree to you.  Be it the leaf shape, colour, flower, fragrance, seasonal impact.  Or maybe it’s the way the tree branches out?  What about the divine darkness of the bark, or how white it is or maybe it’s the way it’s got grooves or peels revealing the beautiful colours underneath?

The other emotional aspect is that the tree should match your personality.  From experience, choosing trees that don’t appeal to the personality of the client never works.  For example, a tall, strong tree with a moderate canopy and white flowers suits a client who’s decisive, exacting and loves white flowers.  A small straggly looking tree with red flowers just simply won’t make the mark. Emotionally, trees all give different energies so different trees will appeal to different people.

Shortlist and explore the energies.  We advise all of our clients to invest the time and lean against a mature tree of choice and see how they feel against it.  So far, everyone has mentioned that it has been a positive experience and certainly informs their tree type choice.  It may not be that particular tree type in the end (eg because of spacial or other practical considerations) but it would be highly representative of their tree of choice and is therefore perfect for them!

 

How to care for the tree

Simple.  Improve the soil profile and plant according to the label instructions, considering the right depth and width of the planting hole.  Stake the tree (using the right techniques) if needed.

Choosing the perfect tree is key but what is more vital is that you care for the tree well in the early stages with regular watering, fertilising and formative pruning.  Where fruit trees are concerned, I’d suggest forgoing the first couple of years of fruit so the tree puts its energy into its growth rather than the fruit.  This is so you get a healty, well shaped tree in the long term, which bears you lots of fruit!

Summary - Dos and don'ts of finding the right tree for your garden.

Do consider choosing the perfect tree for you.  Aesthetically and the right energy levels.  Consider its maintenance requirements

Do – consider it’s spacial needs. Go off the plant tag but do your own research

Don’t – plant a tree that needs full sun in shade for example.  Aspect is important.

Don’t plant and forget.  Ongoing care and maintenance is important especially in the first couple of years

Do – improve the soil profile and invest into cultivating the subsoil to improve your tree’s health and performance in the long term

Do consider choosing a perfect tree for you and one that supports wildlife habitat (nesting and food)

Speak to your landscape designer about the tree that you are considering and where’s best to plant them.  If you can’t access them, head out to your nearest nursery and ask away.  It’s best to do your own research then sit back and evaluate the information you have in front of you.  That’s the best way to plan your garden and arrive at the best spot to plant your trees!

Hungry for more information on picking the right tree for you?

Then check out the article by Apex International who are also amazingly passionate about this topic!

In the meantime, visit my past projects below which also squeezed in some beautiful trees!

Burwood

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Maribyrnong

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Glen Waverley 2019

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Vermont South A

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Blackburn

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Vermont South B

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Brighton

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Camberwell

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Dramatic night lighting for Hawthorn East Garden Design

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Doncaster East

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If you need further suggestions or design or plantscaping both indoors and outdoors, please contact us for an onsite 90 minute consultation. 

Refer to our packages for further detail on how we can help you in the consults and subsequently throughout your garden implementation process.

Do check out our project befores and afters that have heavily used trees e.g. Blackburn.

Our passion your garden! xx

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🎶The long and winding road, that leads, to your 🎶The long and winding road, that leads, to your door⁠⁠
Will never disappear, I've seen that road before⁠⁠
It always leads me here, lead me to your door⁠⁠
- The Beatles⁠ 🎶⁠⁠
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Your front yard is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive at your house – so you want to make it stand out. ⁠⁠
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Should you dress it up with colourful flowers, or keep it stripped back and simple? ⁠⁠
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Should you add fancy garden edging, or create a pretty stone path? ⁠⁠
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There are so many options and that’s why I’ve put all of these wonderful front garden ideas in the one spot for you.⁠⁠
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This path for our Burwood is clean, simple and low maintenance. Paths don't need to be complicated.  They need to look welcome and inviting. 💚
Who ... who ... who ... 🦉⁠⁠
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Did you know that owls represent wisdom, knowledge, change, transformation, intuitive development, and trusting the mystery?⁠⁠
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They are tied to the spiritual symbolism of “death” which brings about new beginnings with a higher understanding and an evolved perspective. Owls can show up when you are being asked to listen to your intuition. ⁠⁠
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They have been around for a long time and feature in many cultures. ⁠⁠
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Archaeologists have found owl fossils as old as 58 million years!  Images of owls have been found on cave walls in France, among Egyptian hieroglyphs, and also in Mayan paintings.⁠⁠
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If you're into Feng Shui as I am, you can use a figurine in the form of an owl to improve the energy flow of your home.⁠⁠
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For example, if the flow of traffic is perpendicular to your home, it creates a poison arrow that could lead to a loss of health or prosperity. Positioning the owl figurine facing the traffic outside your home will deflect the poison arrow energy, clearing the way for only good energy - positive chi - to reach the entry of your home! 💚
The lovely Bougainvillea 💚⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ A star The lovely Bougainvillea 💚⁠⁠
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A star plant in my view!  Stunning Colour - Climber - Feature Plant - Good screening⁠!⁠⁠
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I grew up with this plant as it was pretty much in every garden I've experienced, in Malaysian suburbia. ⁠⁠
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Its an easygoing plant being drought-tolerant and well suited to most soil types (with good drainage). It's easily propagated too, something I learned from my mum who admittedly went a little berserk trying to get all colours of this plant into her garden and those with unusual leaf characteristics (spotted, variegated etc). She became quite the collector!! ⁠⁠
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What I love most about this plant is how intense they flower and how spectacular they look smothered in them.  Good specimens are breathtaking with their colours so vivid that you can see it in the distance!⁠⁠
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To be honest and to my dismay, planting schemes in KL have become quite boring with a heavy handed emphasis on foliage over flowers.  In my humble view, I miss the gardens of the past where even the not so greened thumbed person would have their bougainvillea's at the front of their house, proudly on display.  On my recent trip to KL. there were only few houses in my own area left that had these plants and they definitely stood out!⁠⁠
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If you'd like to try these, here's some tips to try:⁠⁠
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🌼They prefer all day sun but will also thrive even with half a day of sun. ⁠⁠
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🌼Fertilisers - use those with a low nitrogen count (encourages leafy growth) and a higher potassium count (to encourage flowering). ⁠⁠
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🌼Bougainvilleas may produce more thorns if they are growing strongly. Over fertilisation can cause this as can hard pruning. ⁠⁠
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🌼They love a long deep watering but don't overwater as their roots with rot out. ⁠⁠
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Let me know what your favourite Bougainvillea plant or colour is!!!💚
Construction about to start on this design done fo Construction about to start on this design done for my lovely Murrumbeena clients! ⁠⁠
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Relatively low maintenance, this garden focuses on a number of architectural plants that will differentiate itself from its surrounds!  It will have a Cloud pruned feature tree which I've been dying to include in my designs and the clients have been willing to take up the challenge! ⁠⁠
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The garden beds have an unusual layout to it to enable my lovely clients to walk through and maintain the garden themselves with ease.  I can't wait to see it all eventuate in person, soon!⁠⁠
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I went for a softer look this time rather than my usual pops of bright colours so the rest of the planting focuses on soft whites and pinks with complimentary materials that would bring it all together.  Pssttt... the rocks will have pinks in it too💚!! ⁠⁠
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Three little penguins 🐧🐧🐧⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Ga Three little penguins 🐧🐧🐧⁠⁠
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Garage art murals are a great idea to freshen up or add interest to a dull looking garage door. ⁠⁠
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You can either paint it your self if you have a steady hand or there are many websites that sell stick on ones. Change for each season. ⁠⁠
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This one was for our lovely client in Hawthorn.  Designed and painted by us to reflect the view of her garden past the doors! 💚
When the world wearies and society ceases to satis When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden - Minnie Aumonier⁠⁠
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This weekend, plan your escape to your garden.  Grab a book and your sun bed and enjoy. ⁠⁠I know I did all that today and loved every minute of it! 💚🥂
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Have a wonderful Easter and long weekend everyone!💚
Stepping stones can make a great design statement Stepping stones can make a great design statement in your garden and they are a way to minimise wear and tear on your lawn.⁠⁠
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You can use them to help create a fun pattern and if you have a lot of space and gardens on your property, you can use them to create a multitude of pathways. ⁠⁠
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Stepping stones can also be a great way to lead people to a hidden area, such as a secret garden, courtyard, or a water feature. ⁠⁠
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Be sure to add visual interest around the stones by framing the pathway with colorful blooms and lush greenery.⁠⁠
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Where will your stepping stones lead to? 💚
Excited to share that we won Best of Houzz 2021 fo Excited to share that we won Best of Houzz 2021 for Service!⁠⁠
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It's a warm feeling when your clients know that you really care about them and want to get the right results for them. ⁣⁠⁠
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Feeling grateful for the beautiful words received from our clients in their reviews and very appreciative of their time and effort in doing that for us!⁠⁠
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Thank you, @houzzau! ⁣⁠⁠
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@houzzpro_anz ⁠⁠
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#BestofHouzz2021
Bird of Paradise - Strelizia reginae ⁠😎⁠⁠ Bird of Paradise - Strelizia reginae ⁠😎⁠⁠
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This distinctive plant is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers and is also a cousin to the banana! 🍌. ⁠⁠
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Surprisingly, the Bird of Paradise is easier to grow than many tropical plants and makes for a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. It can be moved outside in the summer, and in warmer climes, it thrives for half the year outside. ⁠⁠
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The Bird of Paradise typically flowers in the late winter or early spring, but under optimal conditions, it flowers at other times and they can grow to 5 to 6 feet tall. So pick a spot with this in mind. ⁠⁠
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Plant type: evergreen, forms a trunkless clump⁠⁠
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Height: to around 1.2m tall by 2–3m wide with age⁠⁠
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Foliage: similar to a small banana leaf but on a stem, very rigid, green to grey-blue.⁠⁠
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Climate: tropics, sub-tropics, warm temperate and sheltered areas of cold temperate.⁠⁠
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Soil: light, free-draining with additional compost at planting time.⁠⁠
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Position: warm and sunny with protection from harsh or cold winds, will tolerate some shade.⁠⁠
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Feeding: annual application of controlled-release fertiliser.⁠⁠
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Watering: must have reliable moisture during hot, dry weather. 💚
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Choosing the perfect tree for your garden | Inspiring Landscape Solutions