It might not seem like it at first, but being a dad and planting a tree have something in common. Both, when approached with intention and care, are done with an eye to the future. Both have the potential to leave a long-lasting legacy, impacting future generations. Maybe that’s why planting a tree – either for or with Dad – is such a great way to celebrate Father’s Day, and here, we share a few tips for finding the right one.
Plan for the Future
You or your dad may fall in love with a certain tree right away – there are so many heights, shapes, colors, and textures to choose from. But in the long run, a careful approach to picking a tree will ensure that Dad and the tree are happy together for years to come. That includes thinking about how the tree will function in the landscape, the tree’s environmental needs, and the conditions in the space where it will live. And if you’re planting one as a gift for Dad, it’s a good idea to think about his landscape and his preferences before you surprise him with a new tree.
Define the Objective
A tree can do so many wonderful things for a home and landscape. It can shade a roof, create a wind break, define a property line, or block an unwanted view. Maybe ask Dad what he’d like a tree to do for his home, then start making a list of trees with the right height and shape to meet that requirement. For example, if Dad wants a shade tree for his two-story house, he’ll need a tall tree with a thick summer canopy – maybe an oak or a maple. If he’d like more privacy while enjoying a book on his ground-level patio, a shorter, wider tree like a crabapple or serviceberry might be the better choice. If he’s concerned about heating costs in the winter, perhaps an evergreen to block the winter wind would be ideal instead. This stage of the process is important to help Dad have the kind of tree he’ll appreciate most.
Know the Planting Site
Now that your list of candidates is narrowed down a bit, the next step is to survey the planting site. Locations can vary widely in the amount of sun, soil moisture, wind, and other environmental conditions – even within one property. Each tree species has its own preferences, and some may thrive in one area but struggle in another. Consider other aspects of the planting site too – like the proximity to the house, the location of power lines and other trees, the nearness to the property line. If the tree will be close to a property line, it might be a good idea to find one that’s relatively narrow. A slow-growing, sturdy tree like an oak or a hackberry would do well in a windy spot. The better a tree’s environmental preferences match those of the planting site, the more likely it will grow up healthy and beautiful.
Fill in the Details
With the business of objectives and site conditions out of the way, the fun part of selecting a tree begins. Always keeping the first two steps in mind, now you can start looking at all the foliage colors, leaf shapes, blooms, berries, and other details a tree has to offer. Maybe spring blooms aren’t Dad’s thing, but he loves brilliant fall foliage. Maybe aspens remind him of family vacations in the Rockies, or he enjoys how birds flock to a crabapple’s persistent fruit in the winter. Maybe he values the role native trees play in healthy ecosystems, or he enjoys raking leaves in the fall but would rather avoid seeds falling in the lawn. The tree needs to be happy, but so does Dad – it’s his gift after all – and a tree that brings a smile to his face all year long is the best gift there is.
Find a Tree He’ll Love
Leaving a legacy – it’s something raising kids and planting trees have in common. And Father’s Day is a great time to celebrate both. If you’re looking for a meaningful, lasting gift that Dad will enjoy long into the future, stop by our Nursery Yard to talk with our team and browse our full collection. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or need a little guidance, just ask. We’re here to help in any way we can.
