Selecting and Planting Trees
Before thinking about how to plant a tree, consider what kind and where. Do not buy a tree without determining that it is the proper variety for the location. Trees in the wrong place are liabilities.
- Trees for compacted areas
- Trees for wet areas
- Trees that tolerate drought
- Trees to plant under utility lines
- Small and intermediate size trees for North Carolina
- Large trees for North Carolina
The old adage "Plant a $10 tree in a $100 hole" is good advice. If you think that means a deeper hole, you are holding on to a planting myth. See techniques for planting trees and shrubs from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service.
To give the roots ample room, plant trees at least:
- 15 feet from overhead power lines
- 10 feet from building foundations, power transformers and underground utility line paths
- 5 feet from streets, sidewalks, driveways and other pavement
See tips on residential landscaping from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service at N.C. State University.
Just because a garden center is selling a tree does not mean that it adapts well to the area. Also, soil, sun exposure and other growth factor can vary a lot from location to location. The soils at recently constructed homes generally are highly compacted and low in organic matter. Compaction tends to make land very wet in winter and very dry in summer.
Cary is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Hardiness Zone 7b. It is best if you select a tree that is adapted to both zone 7 and zone 8. See hardiness zones in the state.