When I first began working at Russell Tree Experts as a video production assistant, I had no significant prior knowledge of arboriculture, and I never really understood the concept of tree planting. My overall impression was that trees are good for the environment as they provide oxygen, contribute to an ecosystem, and are visually pleasing to look at and enjoy. However, after working at Russell Tree Experts for almost two years now and after taking a World of Plants class at The Ohio State University, I learned that it’s not that simple. For many reasons, a tree cannot simply be planted anywhere, as it may be planted in the wrong location, leading to a low survival rate or a negative impact on the local ecosystem.
Hardiness Zones
One reason why a tree cannot just be planted anywhere is because it may be planted in the wrong hardiness zone. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map is a map of the United States that divides the country into different zones based on the area’s average annual minimum winter temperature. In relation to arboriculture, it can often reveal where a tree has or does not have a strong likelihood of survival and growth. For example, palm trees (Arecaceae) can be expected to grow in hardiness zones 8 and above. If it were planted in Columbus, Ohio, which has a hardiness zone of approximately 6a, it would not have a strong likelihood of growth and survival and may require extensive care and maintenance. However, if that palm tree were to be planted in Miami, Florida, which has a hardiness zone of 10b, it would have a higher chance of successful growth and survival, which makes sense as palm trees can be commonly seen in Miami and not in Columbus.
Native vs Non-Native
Even if a tree is planted in the proper hardiness zone, it may still not survive or grow well if it is in a non-native area. When compared to non-native trees, native trees are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and experience fewer insect and disease problems. They may also require little to no fertilizers, pesticides, or added water. Native insects, birds, and animals also rely on native trees for food and shelter and might not adapt well to a non-native tree. Although many trees have been planted and grown outside of their native area, some non-native trees may be more susceptible to insect and disease problems or may even spread an insect and disease problem if planted in a non-native area. For example, the Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) is natively found in the southern Rocky Mountains area, such as Colorado. Although it can be expected to grow in hardiness zones 2 through 7, which Ohio falls under, a Colorado blue spruce planted in Columbus, Ohio has a significantly higher chance of suffering from rhizosphaera needle cast, a fungal disease causing needles to turn brown and fall off, due to Ohio’s local ecosystem and weather conditions.
Invasive
The highly invasive amur honeysuckle
Invasive Tree /inˈvāsiv trē/ Definition: An exotic, indigenous, or non-native tree species that has a negative or harmful effect on the growth of commercial, nearby, or native tree species.
Invasive trees will survive, reproduce, and quickly spread in large numbers at considerable distances from the parent tree with little to no maintenance or aid. They will also threaten the native or natural ecosystem or habitat by outcompeting the neighboring trees and plants for resources like sunlight, water, nutrients, soil, and space. Finally (and maybe most troublingly), they can also change the character, form, condition, or nature of their planted ecosystem in favor of their conditions rather than the native species’ conditions. These invasive species can be introduced purposely or by accident, but regardless, they are serious environmental pests. It can lead to the loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, and economic damage in some cases. Examples of invasive species in Ohio include, but are not limited to, amur honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose, and the tree of heaven. For more information on invasive species in Ohio, visit this link: Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Additional Factors
Let’s say you are ready to plant a tree in your yard and you have chosen a native, non-invasive tree with little to no insect or disease problems that is suitable for your local area’s hardiness zone; there are still a few things to consider that could impact the lifespan of your tree.
SUNLIGHT PREFERENCE
Trees have a sun preference (full, partial, full shade) and if a tree were to be planted outside of its sun preference, it may lead to less than ideal results: stunted growth in a tree’s height potential, poor flowering/fruiting ability, dehydration, low survival rate, and more. To determine a planting site’s sun allowance, observe the area’s amount of sun or shade throughout the day.
SOIL PREFERENCE
Trees have a wide range of soil preferences based on moisture, material, and pH level. For example, a tree may prefer certain moisture of soil like well-drained soil, a certain soil material like clay soil, or a certain pH level like alkaline or acidic pH soil. pH is a method of measuring a solution or soil’s acidity or alkalinity ranging from 0 to 14. 0 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 14 is basic. If a tree that prefers a low soil pH, such as a pin oak tree, is planted in soil that has a high pH, it may lead to issues such as chlorotic leaves or the need for seasonal fertilization to maintain a certain pH level. Studies have shown that soil near recently paved sidewalks may have a higher pH due to limestone in the cement mixture. To measure a planting site’s soil pH level, give us a call and we can arrange a soil test.
Ask Yourself
So before you plant that tree in your yard, as yourself the following questions:
Is this tree appropriate for this hardiness zone?
Is this tree native to this location?
Is this tree not deemed invasive?
Am I planting this tree in an area with the ideal sunlight for the species?
Am I planting this tree in an area with the ideal soil for the species?
If you answer “Yes” to all five then you are likely good to start digging! PS - we recommend that you don’t plant your trees during the summer months as the heat adds additional stress to young trees.
Additional Reads
Feel free to also check out our ARBOR ED™ tree planting articles for more information written by my fellow coworkers! I hope this helps, good luck, and have fun on your next tree planting project!
Sincerely,
Enrique Arayata I Media Production Coordinator, Russell Tree Experts
Enrique is a third year student at The Ohio State University majoring in moving image production with a double minor in photography and film studies. In his free time, he enjoys running, spending time with his girlfriend and family, photography, and creating YouTube videos.