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Consider These Guidelines Before you Plant a Tree

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So you’ve decided to plant a tree. Before you start digging, however, there are a few things you should consider to maximize its payoff and to avoid headaches in the future. What kind of tree should you choose? Where should you plant it to get the most shade and cooling benefits for your home? What hazards should you keep in mind? What kind of maintenance needs should you be planning for after it’s in the ground?

The city of Pasadena has published an comprehensive resource that goes over everything you need to think about when planting a tree. The 44-page document provides considerations and gives practical explanations for how and where to plant a tree.

Here are a couple of notable passages:

Where To Plant

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Pasadena Water and Power
Locate areas you would like to shade, such as air conditioning units, windows, porches and patios. Placing trees to the south and west of these areas protects them from the hottest sun. Placing trees on the eastern side will provide shade from the morning sun. Think about how you use your yard and watch out for areas where you don’t want trees, such as next to your vegetable garden or pool and underneath power lines. Drought tolerant trees should not be planted in areas that receive regular watering. Based on these considerations, determine the best tree locations for your yard, keeping in mind that planting shade trees on the west side of your home will produce the maximum energy savings. Trees grow best when there's room for their roots, and when their branches have room to spread. Large trees generally grow to heights greater than 40 feet. Medium sized trees grow between 25 and 40 feet. Small trees grow up to 25 feet. Even small trees can provide useful shade, especially for windows and walls.

Avoiding Hazards

It is important to understand the conditions in your yard before you plant new trees. Planting without consideration of the eventual size of new trees can lead to problems between trees and existing structures in the long run. Planting large trees where small ones are appropriate can lead to years of headaches and pruning. Planning for the mature size of your trees avoids problems later on. Tree roots and branches may pose a potential hazard if not sited properly. Tree branches may interfere with overhead power lines. Tree roots may interfere with underground pipes, building foundations, walkways, and fences. Trees should be planted a safe distance from structures, utilities, and paved areas. (See table below) Identify on the tree site plan these “no-plant” zones.

Tree size

Underground utilities, structures, buildings

Fences & paved areas

Overhead power lines

Do not plant within:

Large

35 feet

10 feet

30 feet

Medium

25 feet

10 feet

20 feet

Small

10 feet

10 feet

10 feet

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Pasadena Water and Power

Find the guidebook here or view the PDF below. Happy planting!

This story is part of a special report exploring tree canopies in Southern California. Learn more about tree canopy coverage and what local organizations are doing to encourage communities to participate in tree planting initiatives at kcet.org/treecanopies. 

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