900 Natural Resources Drive, Ste 800
        Charlottesville, VA  22903

        1-866-VATREES
        Ph: 434-295-6401
        Fax: 434-295-1724
        info@TreesVirginia.org

The Right Tree in the Right Place

A bad habit that turned into an accepted practice in Virginia would become extinct if people would follow a procedure called “the right tree in the right place.” Planting a tree with an eye to the future size and branching patterns, would help to eliminate the problem of “topping.”

Planting the right tree in the right place is a designed program of planting trees with consideration to their specific environment. Homeowners, businesses and even local governments who plant on rights-of-way should be extremely conscious of what trees they are planting and where. A beautiful, shade providing, environmentally beneficial tree can grace our state for a century or longer, if treated properly.

Proximity to other trees, buildings and underground or above-ground utilities must be considered. Ground conditions—hilly or flat, dry or moist, hard soil or soft—also play a role in the selection of trees. Property owners don’t like seeing utility crews cutting trees in residential areas or along local streets. “But people plant trees directly under power lines in an effort to hide them. If they are the wrong trees and they grown into the path of the lines, they are causing a nightmare for everyone,” said Kathy Sevebeck, Executive Director of Trees Virginia.

Today, most utilities provide guidelines for planting of trees and a list of suggested trees that flourish nicely in the right setting.  With the right selection, proper annual trimming, adequate water and mulching, these “suggested” trees will increase property value, reduce heating and air-conditioning costs and provide a natural habitat for birds and small animals. “Provided they’re the right tree in the right place,” Sevebeck said.

For more information on planting the right tree in the right place or other tree care advice
call 866-VATREES

Trees Virginia, is a program of the Virginia Urban Forest Council, with support from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the National Tree Trust and
patterned after one developed by Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and the Missouri Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council.

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Last modified: 9/5/10