With thousands of species of trees, it can be difficult to find the “perfect” tree for your landscape. However, there are a few things you want to consider when choosing:

Mature height/width - When planting trees in Athens, Ga., it’s easy to forget about how big the tree will actually grow over the years, which makes it important to plant it far enough from the house and other valuables to make sure it doesn’t end up just getting in the way.

Growth rate - If you are looking for privacy, you might want a tree that grows faster than others. Make sure to check the growth rate on the tree of your choice and plant accordingly

Root system - Placement has a lot to do with this as invasive root systems can be annoying, they might be worth in when planting the tree of your dreams as long as they are placed in the right area, such as far away from septic systems or water lines.

Fruit- It’s important to take into account what type of fruit a tree produces whether its nuts, seeds, or balls and make sure they are in an area that these fruits wont become bothersome.

Flowers - Sometimes flowering trees don’t smell as pretty as they look, such as the Bradford pear in Athens, Ga..

We have made a list of some species you might want to avoid altogether, listed below.

1. Cottonwood - Aside from them being very adaptative and hardy in this area, these trees are complete nightmares! They are one of the messiest species in the south, dropping branches, easily uprooted, highly likely to be infested with insect and disease and carrying invasive root systems. This is a species you’ll definitely want to avoid.

2. Bradford Pear -Bradford pears are one of the most invasive species in this area. They are likely to be seen lining driveways, in neighborhoods and more. The habit of these trees is co-dominant leads shooting up from the trunk, causing it to split becoming too top heavy over time. They also produce white showy flowers in the spring that bring with them a very harsh pungent odor.

3. White Mulberry - Take every downfall of the cottonwood, and add to it a large amount of pollen each year, as well as bird droppings covering your yard from the fruit available and you have a white mulberry.

4. Hackberry - One of the messiest species, the Hackberry is known to have issues with pests, bird and branch droppings, diseases and more.

Tree planting and selection can be a difficult task. North American Tree Service has over 35 years of experience in the tree car industry staffed with Certified Arborist’s to provide you with the best recommendations for your yard. Call today to schedule an appointment for tree planting in Athens, Ga.

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