January 5th, 2010 at 1:03am

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One of the biggest home improvement options is investing in outdoor landscaping (aka “Tree-scaping” for those that want  a larger impact). January and February happen to be great months to consider improving the look and value of your home. While some of us like to pull out our blueprints, research all types of flowers bushes and trees, and call all over the state to get pricing ideas… most of us don’t enjoying doing such things!

This is why I have put together a little Landscaping 101 on easy yard improvements that add that “wow” factor. Below are suggestions, tips, and real life examples of “tree-scapes”.

First and foremost, the top 3 things to consider:

1. Amount of space to work with:  Always consider the amount of space by doing a little research on the mature width and height of a tree

2. Color: Always consider the spring and fall color that trees provide

3.  Seasons: Not all trees hold their leaves year long. Flower and shade trees drop their leaves while evergreens hold their vibrant needles throughout the winter months. Consider your yard when winter hits, will it be naked?

Below are a few examples of real life “tree-scapes”

“The Nosy Neighbor”

So for some of you that live in a cute residential neighborhood, you have come to realize your neighbors are not everything you would hope them to be! This beautiful (6-7′) Evergreen triangle does wonders for a smaller yard that is in dire need for privacy. Eventually there will be full coverage up and down, from side to side. This layout is also great for noise barriers and wind blocks.  Approximate Cost: $800-$1,000

“The Nosy Neighbor II”

This Tree-Scape is ideal in a neighborhood setting, but also for those with a larger yard. In this specific case the evergreens are being used for privacy and also for shade. Showing are 8 Evergreens that vary in size from approximately 10-12′.  Placing the Evergreens in a line, but staggering them a bit improves the overall aesthetic appeal of the yard. It also helps give your children boundaries when they are playing outside.  Approximate Cost: $2,000 – $3,500

“Beauty & the Birch”

One of my favorite trees is the River Birch. I love the shape, the leaves, the color, and the peeling bark.  A river birch can be placed anywhere, but I love it next to a house. Good spacing can be 8-10′ from the side of your home. The River Birch will naturally grow towards the light and won’t scrape the side of your home.  River Birch can be used to add some shade to that window that always gets full sun. This can really help in energy savings. River birch are often placed in wet spots, because they love water! Approximate Cost: $300 – $500

“No Room, but I love Trees”

If you are in need of quick and inexpensive coverage, an addition to your beautiful landscape, or a way to line your property, Arborvitaes are the way to go.  These evergreens hold their needles year round, which show for a beautiful winter holiday, and are sold in many different varieties. Most peak at about 10-15′ which is ideal for privacy and small landscape trees.  They are also a great economy size. This picture shows 10 Arborvitae at about 7′. Approximate Cost: $1,200 – $1,400

“Show Me the Shade”

One of the most practical shade trees to purchase is a Maple. Some great varieties include Red Sunset Maple, October Glory Maple, Emerald Queen Maple, and Norway Maple. These trees are ideal because they grow fast and provide a great amount of shade. Maples also work great in pairs because they turn all different shades in the fall ranging from yellows to oranges to reds. I believe every yard should have at least one maple. They work great in the front, side, and back yard. The picture shows 3 Red Sunset Maples approximately 16-18′. Approximate Cost: $1,000 -$1,300

These are just a few simple landscaping ideas that apply both shade and evergreen trees to your yard. More ideas will be coming in Landscaping Ideas 201, so keep an eye out! If you have any suggestions or questions do not hesitate to e-mail us at info@affordabletrees.com and I will not hesitate to add it to our next blog.  You may also send in a picture of your yard for personal suggestions if you wish.

For more ideas on pricing you can visit our pricing page here.

Thanks for reading!

Tags: Landscape ideas, Tree-Scape Ideas

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