Treed lots

When looking at and evaluating a lot for possibly purchase, you will no doubt be visualizing what your future home may look like on the lot and what sort of landscaping you may want to do. The addition of trees to a property is a great way to beautify the land and give you a sense of privacy at the same time. The thing about trees is that they tend to grow, and keep growing year after year. Avoid a few simple tree mistakes here:

On tree planting on or near lot lines, setbacks, easements and right-of-ways.

A common tendency is to envision or plan on planting trees on the side or back of a property to increase the feeling of privacy or block out an undesirable view. Resist the urge to plan on planting tress right on or very near your property line, easements or right of ways. You may envision planting trees as close to the line as possible to maximize your usable yard area, and that’s understandable. However, what are those trees going to look like in five, ten or fifteen years? When you’re looking at a lot, visualize those trees back from the property line. How far back will depend on the tree species you eventually plant and the local conditions. Some species can grow a surprising amount in height and girth each year. Consult with a landscaping pro or arborist before you actually put a plan to paper.

Don’t get caught in the position where a few years down the line you and your neighbor are in a dispute over your trees growing into his yard. Also a large tree growing right on a property line can lead to issues in the future. Who legally owns that tree? And who is responsible for its care or removal? Or, think of this, the guy next door sells his house and the new owner wants to put in a deck or a pool, or a shed, or whatever, and your trees have now grown wide and the root systems are over into his property. It’s a shame to see people lose trees this way. Get it in your head when looking at the lot now.

Don’t plan on planting certain trees under or near power lines

This one sounds obvious, right? You would be amazed how often people make this mistake. They plant a row of 6’ or 8’ trees very close to the power lines, after they build their home, and a few years down the road they raise holy hell when the power company comes in and cuts their trees back. Not many trees look good, or live long, without their tops. So, if you’re looking at a lot, and are planning on putting trees under the power lines to block an undesirable view or enhance your privacy, think twice; envision some short shrubs in that space, and then see if you still want that lot. A quick call to your electric company will help you know what the required space is needed for their power lines.

Don’t plan on planting trees over sewer, gas, power or other service lines.

A great way to have your beautiful trees ripped out of the ground in a few years is to plant them over service lines. When one of these service lines needs to be fixed, and it will need to be fixed sooner or later, your trees might just have to be removed to get at the problem. Even if they don’t have to be totally removed, the root structure could certainly be damaged during any work, and you wind up with a dead tree anyway.

If you’re choosing a lot, and are certain you want landscaping in specific areas, be sure to tell your builder or architect, so they can try and work the service lines around your future landscaping plans. This is not always possible, but it’s something to try.