As the home to one of the world’s largest urban forests, Nashville is well known for its
expansive tree canopy which graces this city and its surrounding communities with
majestic natural beauty, invaluable wildlife habitat, and a multitude of environmental
benefits. The City of Nashville hosts an impressive and enviable 56% of tree cover, and its community forest improves the life of city residents by supplying clean air, managing storm water, supporting public health, and raising property values. However, like many other urban areas, Nashville and its surrounding vicinity are undergoing rapid increases in growth and development - and as a result are facing increasing challenges of deforestation, with significant decreases in canopy cover in some areas. Planting a tree is a great way to contribute to Nashville’s urban forest and is a valuable long-term property investment that brings beauty, value and ecological benefits to your home. In this article we will explore some things you may want to consider if you are thinking of planting a new tree for your property.
Embracing Nashville’s Natural Heritage: Finding a uniquely beautiful tree that is perfectly suited to your landscape.
Southeastern landscapes are typically associated with a few beautiful but limited number of tree species that are frequently overused. While willow oaks, red maples, dogwoods and crape myrtles may be more familiar plantings in a classic Southern landscape, depending on Nashville’s varying soil types, these trees may not be the best choices for your property’s location. Fortunately, Tennessee’s Central Region is host to an exceptionally wide range of gorgeous trees that are off the beaten path – and planting a regional native tree supports your local ecology and sends a message that you are embracing Nashville’s unique natural heritage.
Nashville’s Southern temperate climate makes it home to a long list of attractive trees,
many of which are native, but lesser utilized, making them intriguingly distinctive additions to your home, sure to capture attention and admiration from neighbors and passersby. Some native trees, such as American yellowwood and Harbison’s hawthorne, are stunningly beautiful trees that are indigenous to Middle Tennessee but are endangered in their natural habitats – so choosing a tree species native to your area is a way to help restore your community's local biodiversity. A number of local conservation groups and your University of Tennessee’s local county Extension have lists of native trees that are known to thrive in the Nashville region. One of them may be the perfect tree for your home and property!
Choosing the right tree for the right place – things to think about.
Planting with purpose and meeting expectations.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a tree is determining what you want to see and how you want your tree to function – in other words defining your expectations. Perhaps you are looking for a tall shade tree that will help cool your house, or you would like a tree with a dense canopy that will give you some privacy. Perhaps you may want a smaller tree with showy flowers to create curb appeal in front of your house – or a shade tree with brilliant fall color. For whatever reason, understanding the purpose of a tree is important as a starting point in making a suitable selection.
Location, location, location...
When choosing a tree for a specific site, a useful phrase to remember is “Plant the right tree in the right place.” Planting a tree is a long-term commitment, and its success or failure is largely dependent on a number of compatibility factors that are relative to its planting site. This takes on special significance in the Nashville area because of the region’s diversity of growing conditions, especially regarding soil characteristics. While the Highland Rim to the north and the hilly parts of Davidson County in the west have slightly more acidic soils, in other areas toward the south and east, soil pH is generally higher and somewhat more alkaline. These differences are significant enough to affect the success of tree species selection, even within the same genus, so that a willow oak may be more likely to thrive in the acidic soils of Forest Hills, but a Bur or Shumard oak may be a better candidate for an alkaline soil in Mt. Juliet.
Other practical aspects should also be considered in tree selection, such as surrounding space, light, water and drainage requirements. A tall and fast-growing tulip poplar should not be grown in a small confining space or placed under a utility line. A sycamore can tolerate compacted soils in an urban environment, but its roots are likely to upheave pavement if it is planted too close to a sidewalk. Native dogwoods tend to prefer a partially shaded location shielded from hot burning sun, but an American yellowwood or redbud may be more tolerant of full sun conditions. A sugar maple is generally intolerant of poorly drained soil that is prone to flooding; whereas a black gum tree will tolerate both compacted and poorly drained soils.
Before purchasing and planting, do your homework to make sure that the tree you choose is well suited for the short and long term and that it fulfills the functions that you would like it to serve. Or talk to your local Music City Monster Tree Service to discuss tree planting options that are best matched to your area and planting site. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find the perfect tree that will add beauty and value to your home for
many years.