Charlotte Prepares for Fall Tree-Planting Season with Expert Tips and Unique Varieties

Charlotte Gears Up for Tree-Planting Season: A Friendly Guide

Charlotte, October 26, 2024 — As the crisp autumn air sweeps through the Queen City, it’s the perfect time to think about gardening, and more specifically, planting trees! While many might not think of trees as part of their gardening goals, they can truly transform your yard and neighborhood.

The Legacy of Trees

Pamm Cantey spent 23 years lovingly tending to a half-acre lot in south Charlotte, where her passion for trees led her to plant a new one each autumn. As she and her husband, Larry, moved away recently, they left behind a stunning display of greenery for their neighbors to enjoy. “Being around trees is life-giving,” Cantey expressed, embodying the sentiment that trees are more than just decorations; they’re essential to our environment and our emotional wellbeing.

Believe it or not, trees can significantly enhance your property’s value, adding approximately $1.9 billion annually across North Carolina, according to a report by the Arbor Day Foundation. In fact, well-maintained trees can boost your home’s resale value by as much as 10% to 20%. With such advantages, it’s no wonder that Cantey noted her garden was a strong selling point when they moved.

Resilient Planting

As Charlotte residents find themselves in prime tree-planting season, experts stress the importance of assessing the health of existing trees and selecting the right ones for future planting. Recall the recent damage from Hurricane Helene? Some older trees cracked and fell, teaching us valuable lessons about tree management.

“Avoid trees with overhanging limbs and steer clear of Bradford pears, which are known for splitting during storms,” advised Alex Smith, urban forest manager with Trees Charlotte. He urges homeowners to consider hiring a certified arborist to thoroughly evaluate any mature trees before making drastic decisions like cutting them down.

Planting Guidelines

For those ready to plant, Smith has some great tips. New trees should be planted at least 30 feet away from your home. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and only as deep as the tree sits in its pot. And don’t forget to water these new additions regularly for the first few years! While mulch is beneficial, be careful not to pile it against the bark as that can lead to rot.

The Right Tree for You

Worried about storms? Skip the white pines, known for their weakness in high winds, and consider sturdier options like loblolly or shortleaf pines. When choosing trees, envision how they will grow over time. “Think long-term,” Smith said, encouraging planting large shade trees that, with proper care, can thrive through storms. His own home is nestled among three grand water oaks, which provide natural cooling benefits.

Unique Options for Every Yard

If you prefer unique varieties, consider the striking shagbark hickory with its delicious nuts or the elegant yellowwood that dazzles with spring flowers and autumn leaves. Compact trees, like the Japanese maple, are perfect for smaller spaces—just check out a local nursery like MrMaple for over 1,000 cultivars!

Daryl Richardson from MrMaple recommends the weeping dwarf varieties such as Orangeola and Tamukeyama for their stunning foliage. Other great options include Osakazuki, bursting with vibrant red leaves in the fall, and summer gold, which shifts from yellow to red-orange with the changing seasons.

Fruitful Choices

Interested in something that bears fruit? Trees like pomegranates, Japanese persimmons, and figs are easy to maintain and can yield bountiful harvests. Best of all, Japanese persimmons can thrive with just one tree, and the fruit is ready to eat right when it ripens!

If you have ample space and are thinking for the long haul, pecan trees might be your pick—but keep in mind the random limb drops that can occur when they get older. It’s wise to avoid hanging swings and setting up sandboxes beneath them!

Keep Planting!

Cantey, now residing in an apartment at Matthews Glen, is still all about planting trees, albeit on a smaller scale with container varieties on her patio. “I’m still planting,” she shared with joy. “Trees just make me happy.”

So whether you’re nurturing a vast garden or a cozy patio, this season is the ideal time to bring more trees into your life. Remember to plan wisely, and who knows? You might just leave behind your own leafy legacy one day!