one Selecting the site to plant a tree is probably the most important first step in designing a garden. A tree gives a garden dignity and the appearance of permanency. Consideration must first be given to its location. You can be held legally responsible if the roots or branches of your tree damage the property of a neighbor. The roots of trees can also do damage to your own property if placed too close to a building. Some trees such as the maple, have roots which are two close to the surface and can crack sidewalks and concreted garden pathways. While deciding on position, thought should also be given to the reason you are going to plant a tree. Is this going to be a tree planted purely for decoration a tree filled with white or pink blossoms in the spring? Is it to be a shade tree, a retreat for those hot summer afternoons? With shade trees, bear in mind that lawns can suffer if they are not planted with a grass that can tolerate shade. Blossom trees can add considerable beauty to your garden, but remember, the blossoms only last for a few weeks. For the rest of the year the tree must continue to add grace to the garden. In this regard, you must consider the shape of the tree while visu- alizing it as it will be when fully grown. Is this to be a tall, thin tree such as a Chinese Juniper, a wide spread cone shaped tree such as a flowering Crab Apple, or will it be an umbrella shaped tree such as the Flowering Cherry? The beauty of a tree is not necessarily in its blossoms. The birch tree with its unusual white bark will attract attention, and how many times have you paused to admire a Weeping Willow with its long, sweeping branches? If you have the space, you could consider group- ing 2 or 3 trees with one dominant tree taller than the others. It is possible to make a group out of trees which blossom at the same time in different colors.You are limited only by your imagination and perusal of a tree catalog at your local nursery. Finally, you may want to visit a nursery which offers a display of bonsai trees. These miniature trees can provide you with an idea of how a group of Maples would look, or how the shape of a tree will be after it has lost its leaves in winter. END .....
