The Best Trees to Plant Near Roads
There’s nothing more beautiful than an avenue with beautiful trees planted along with it. Unfortunately, some trees can be problematic, due to aggressive roots or overhead electrical lines. This means landscapers must take care when choosing the right tree to plant along roads.
Choosing a Tree
Before you plant a tree, consider the final height. Will this interfere with nearby electric lines or structures? The tree may be trimmed to keep it smaller, but this will require ongoing upkeep and should also be considered before you make the final decision.
You’ll also need to look at the amount of space available. Are you planting on the meridian? Will the tree be part of the sidewalk or a small front garden? The amount of space available will determine the type of tree you choose. Anything that is planted near walking spaces should be tall enough to allow people to walk beneath its branches, but you also want to avoid anything too tall that will affect light posts, building fronts, signs, and other infrastructure.
Popular Trees for Roadside Planting
The following trees are ideal for street planting, but you still need to consider the previously mentioned factors when choosing them.
Koelreuteria paniculate (Golden Rain Tree)
A shorter tree, the Golden Rain tree is quite decorative. It provides yellow flowers in the spring and later features beautiful red fruits that dangle from the tree throughout the autumn. It can also manage well in urban areas, provided it has plenty of sun and drainage.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)
This beautiful tree features fan-shaped leaves that change colour in the fall. The tree can get rather tall, but it is very good at growing in difficult situations.
Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum)
Another hardy tree with lovely shaped leaves (star-shaped this time) provides beautiful autumn colours. It keeps its leaves longer than other similar trees, which means you’ll have longer periods of foliage throughout the year. It grows slowly, so it is ideal for city use.
Get in Touch
Any of these trees will enhance the beauty of the street while giving a fresher feel to the area. If you are interested in learning more about trees in landscaping, contact Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology.