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In new developments, often the best a homeowner can expect is a spindly young tree and perhaps a standard frost fence. And while it’s one thing to dream of a shade-dappled lounge area, a private retreat that the neighbours can’t see into, or maybe even a stand of urban fruit trees, bringing those into being requires homework. We asked experts to share their tips for a lush, canopied yard with species well-suited to the space.
Take the long view
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Even in the tiniest yard, the perfect tree, hedge or shrub can provide shade, texture, colour and beauty while anchoring the garden.
“Trees, hedges and shrubs are living beings; there are no ‘one-size-fits-all’ recipes,” says Natacha Martin, owner of the horticulture company Oasis Urbain.
Factors to consider in a landscaping project include intended use – do you want your tree or shrub to provide shade, privacy or an ornamental focal point – how large an area you want to cover, whether there’s lots of wind, how much sunlight your property gets and local municipal bylaws governing the types and sizes of trees you can plant, adds Martin.
“You also want to determine what kind of design makes you feel at home and will look good with the surrounding architecture. You need a long-term view for trees and shrubs, while knowing that you’ll have to adapt the garden as the trees and large shrubs grow,” she says.
Before heading to a nursery to load up on plants, find out what size and shape your tree or shrub will be when it’s mature; you’ll want to be sure you have enough room on your property for its branches and roots to grow. Ask how much sun, water and maintenance or pruning it requires. Consider testing your soil to ensure it can provide adequate nutrients and drainage. And check if it’s a variety that is susceptible to disease or insects.
“It’s always best to go with plants that are proven to be well adapted to your area,” suggests Simon Moss, owner of Paramount Nursery in Ottawa, which also has branches in Toronto and a new location in Vaudreuil.
“Take a walk around a nearby older neighbourhood every few months to see what looks good during different seasons.”
Choose the best spot to plant
“To get started, look out your kitchen window or patio door, all the way to the back of the yard. That’s where you should place the most important piece, to draw attention to it,” suggests Moss.
Size up your growing space by measuring where you hope to plant a tree or shrub, he adds.
“Take into consideration the full height and width of your tree, hedge or shrub when it reaches maturity to ensure full growth without being restricted,” he says.
Avoid common mistakes
Martin notes that some homeowners choose only fast-growing trees because they’re impatient to fill their space.
“Other mistakes include not considering the mature size of the trees and shrubs and therefore over-planting or using species that will become too big,” she explains.
Moss notes that homeowners should remember to match the growing conditions to their trees. For example, Toronto is zones 5 and 6.
“A hardiness zone refers to a geographic area that encompasses a range of climatic conditions relevant to a plant’s growth and survival. If you decide on a product that does not fall within your plant zone, the chances of survival are not promised,” he says.
And residents shouldn’t skip reading the product description. It’s the best way to find the ideal varieties for a particular space and its conditions. And they aren’t sure, they should ask a pro such as a tree specialist at a local nursery, an arborist or an urban forestry engineer, suggests Martin.
Splurge on quality plants
It may be more expensive – up to three times the price or more – but it’s worth it to purchase a mature tree instead of a sapling in a 10-gallon pot, says Moss.
“You get a tree with a bigger root ball, which captures more productive feeder roots, more nutrient-rich soil and less unproductive, subsurface soil,” he says.
“The decreased depth eliminates the excess weight of the soil without roots, and the oval root ball shape provides a flatter bottom. This allows for easier handling, a stand-up plant and ball, and more shallow excavation at planting – all giving the tree or shrub a strong start to life.”
Low-maintenance hedges, shrubs and trees that are also visually appealing are the way to go, suggests Moss: “Aim for year-round interest with evergreens, and don’t shy away from colour.”
Tall trees also tend to do well in urban gardens, because their height allows them to find available sunlight. Look for varieties that offer year-round interest, including flowers, berries or attractive foliage. A few that thrive well in urban areas include serviceberry, Japanese lilac, Amur maple and Kwanzan flowering cherry.
