Benefits, Best Options, and Placement Tips – Bear Creek Farm

There is something timeless about trees. They anchor us to the earth, mark the seasons with their branches, provide shade on hot days, and remind us that growth is slow and steady. When you plant a tree in your garden, you’re doing more than just adding greenery—you’re investing in a friend that will grow alongside you, providing comfort, beauty, and a sense of place for years to come.

Why Trees Are Important in Your Garden
Every garden needs a tree, not just for the obvious reason of beauty, but for the way they change the landscape. Imagine yourself sitting under the canopy of a tree you have planted, the dim light casting shadows around you. Besides beauty, trees play an important role. They provide shade, calm the soil, and create their own micro-environment where birds, insects and animals thrive. The sound of the wind blowing through its leaves can transform an ordinary garden into a sanctuary.

Trees are the first natural things that do many things. Their deep roots stabilize the soil, preventing soil erosion—especially on slopes—while decomposing leaves enrich the soil with organic matter. Then there’s the privacy they provide, a natural barrier between you and the rest of the world, all of which block strong winds and create a quiet place to retreat to.

Although Bear Creek Farm is known for its flowers, the real beauty of this land is in the trees that my husband and I plant, year after year. These trees bring structure, shade, and a timeless presence to the landscape—something that flowers, as lovely as they are, can’t accomplish on their own. We are reminded that adding a tree is a quiet but lasting gift to the farm, and we plant them thoughtfully, in spring and fall, each shaping the landscape as only trees can.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Trees
The relationship between a tree and its environment is like that of a person and a home—it must be right. When deciding where to invest, think long term. Trees grow, sometimes more than we think when they are just shoots. Plant them too close to your house, and their roots can move the foundation, or their branches can block light from streaming through your windows. But place them carefully, and they will work in harmony with your home.

• Around Your Home: Trees that shed their leaves in the fall, such as maples or oaks, are good choices for planting around your home. In summer, its leaves provide shade and help keep the house cool. Come winter, they let the sun’s heat through, helping to warm your home. Keep them respectfully away—about 15 to 20 feet—so they spread without getting too familiar with your base.
• Along Property Lines: If privacy is what you desire, trees can act as your natural sentinels. Evergreen trees like cypress or spruce hold their leaves all year round, creating a living wall between you and the outside world. Installed in the right place, they can create a green border that feels secure and natural.
• Outdoors: Got a big sun-scorched lawn? This is where your statement trees are. Consider tall, graceful species such as sycamore or oak that can be a central feature in your garden. Or, if you like to do something, fruit trees like apples or pears not only add beauty but also provide an annual harvest for you and your family to enjoy.
• Windbreaks: If you live in a windy area, use trees to protect your garden from wind. Hardy species such as pine or cedar make excellent windbreaks, and add structure to the garden with their evergreen presence.

Finding the Right Tree for Your Region
The climate and soil where you live determines which trees will grow well. It’s less about what looks good in a catalog and more about understanding where your tree will live. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best fit:

1. Cool Climate: If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with four distinct seasons, you have a variety to choose from. Deciduous trees such as oaks, birches, and maples will shine in autumn, their leaves turning the garden into golds, reds, and oranges. For those looking for a productive garden, fruit trees such as apples, pears, or cherries will not only add beauty but will reward you with annual profits.
2. Hot and Dry Regions: In areas where water is scarce, the trick is to plant trees that can survive on very little. Desert willows, palo verde, or mesquite trees are experts at thriving in dry conditions. Their small, yet beautiful leaves and prickly flowers make them as good as their cool counterparts, but they are better suited to handle heat and drought.
3. Coastal Areas: Living near the coast brings challenges such as salty air and strong winds. Trees such as Monterey cypress, eucalyptus, and coastal live oak are well suited to withstand these conditions. Their roots hold onto sandy soil, and their hardiness makes them excellent companions for coastal gardens.
4. Cold Climate: In regions where winters are long and severe, it is important to plant trees that can withstand cold temperatures. Conifers such as spruce, pine, and fir are winter hardy, their needles staying green while everything else is dormant. These trees give a sense of life, even in the coldest months.
5. Hot and Tropical Climates: For those who live in hot, humid climates, the options for green, flowering trees are endless. Mango trees, palms, and jacarandas all thrive in these conditions, turning your garden into a green paradise that feels like you’re on vacation forever.

Caring for Your Trees
Once you’ve planted your trees, don’t think the job is over. Trees need care, especially in the first few years of their life. Regular watering is important as they establish roots, and mulching around the base helps retain moisture while keeping weeds at bay. Pruning may seem like a chore, but it’s important to their health, helping them grow stronger and ensuring their posture remains balanced.

Planting a tree is a peaceful and hopeful act. It is a promise for the future, a sign of patience and care. As the years pass and the tree grows, it will repay that care in ways you may not even know. With thoughtful planning, the right trees, and a little maintenance, your garden will be a place of shade, shelter, and beauty that you and those who come after you will enjoy for years to come.