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Trees in Arkansas Home Landscape

10/28/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture
​Trees are a natural resource in this, the Natural State. But because we have so many trees, we have become accustomed to them, we often take these valuable assets for granted. They become overlooked until a problem arises, and then we worry. Take a look around you and imagine the landscape without the trees.

​Shade trees that are properly located on your property can cut summer utility bills by 20 percent or more. For energy efficiency it is best to plant deciduous trees on the west side of your house. Trees planted in these locations provide shade during the intense heat of the day. If you use deciduous trees, they'll lose their leaves in the winter, allowing the sunlight in to help warm things up during the coldest times of the year. It will also help if you shade your air conditioner. This can increase the cooling efficiency by as much as 10%.
Best tree species for shade: 
There are numerous species of trees that make great shade trees, from many of the oaks, (including willow oak, shumard oak, cherrybark oak and pin oak), to tulip poplars, bald cypress, and even sweetgum. 

Not only are these large trees giving us shade but they are also helping to clean the air. Leaves on trees absorb carbon dioxide, and filter pollutants from the air. They also catch airborne dust and dirt, and give off oxygen. Not only do they work on air pollution, but also noise pollution. They absorb sound, and can create a buffer between you and a busy street.
How trees prevent erosion: 
​
Tree roots are often blamed for many problems, but rarely thanked for controlling erosion. The canopy of the tree shelters soil moisture and helps in erosion, but so do the trees roots. Trees planted along a riverbank can slow the water and reduce flooding. If you live in an area with high winds, a diverse planting of trees can act as a windbreak if properly planted.

Think of the beauty of trees, from the massive trees fall foliage to smaller trees flowers. Dogwoods have been the most popular blooming tree in Arkansas for years, but others are coming to the forefront now. For more sunlight look at the Kousa dogwood. There are sweetbay magnolias, golden raintree, chinese fringe tree and redbud. Japanese maples are popular under story trees and flowering cherries and crabapples are a nice addition to springtime color.
​Tree Planting Tips:
Now that you realize how valuable a resource trees are, consider planting one. The third Monday in March is the day we celebrate Arbor day in Arkansas. 

Select a tree for your landscape based on what you need. Do you need and have room for a large shade tree? Do you want a small under story tree for color? Before you plant a tree, look up. Make sure power lines are not going to interfere with growth. Try to locate trees no close than 15 feet from the foundation of your house. Check the drainage.

Trees come in three ways: balled in burlap, bare root or containerized. They also come in many sizes. Choose one that you can easily manage. For larger and more instant shade, there are now professionals with giant tree spades that can move large trees. Container grown plants can be planted any time you want to. Balled in burlap trees should be planted before the heat of summer sets in or again in the fall. Bare root trees need to be planted when they are totally dormant since there is nothing inside the plastic sleeve to sustain plant growth. Fall foliage is an added bonus to some tree varieties that offer visual interest to home landscape

When you plant your tree, be sure to plant it at the level it is currently growing or slightly more shallow. Work up the planting hole wider than necessary to encourage the roots to spread out. Avoid amending the soil in just the planting hole, or you encourage the roots to stay in the planting hole. Avoid fertilization at planting, but do water well. Mulch around the tree to keep grass and weeds away which can compete with the young root system. And continue to water once a week all season to help the tree get established. 
7 Comments
kellah Emerson link
11/20/2018 01:22:03 pm

Please inform me if Baxter county has many cedar or juniper trees. I am planning a potential relocation to your lovely area but I am severely allergic to the cedar family as well as cottonwoods.
I very much appreciate your reply and thank you for it.

Reply
F. Sinning link
11/5/2019 04:13:15 pm

There are large number of cedars all over Baxter County, Arkansas. I am believe there are also some cottonwood trees, but not as widespread as cedars. There is a lot of cedar pollen in the spring time.

Reply
Tommy's Stockton
10/28/2019 09:48:19 am

I just bought a home near the lake in Mountain home area and have a bunch of cedars in I thinned out some old and dying ones and need to replant is there any assistance available obtaining trees

Reply
F. Sinning link
11/5/2019 04:23:08 pm

You should contact the U.S. Forest Service and/or the Baxter County Extension Office for local and state sources for trees; as well as, recommendations of trees to plant. Of course the "big box" stores carry trees, but many varieties that they sell do not prosper well here. I would suggest that you don't replant cedars as they are an aggressive multiplier almost to the point of being invasive here in Arkansas. You want trees that tolerate high heat and long periods of dryness. Good luck.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
4/14/2021 10:24:05 am

The other day my wife mentioned that she is looking to improve the landscaping of our home. I do find it interesting how a tree spade can help you plant trees quickly. After reading this post, I will look into renting an efficient machine.

Reply
Josh link
11/5/2021 05:32:43 pm

Great.Thanks for another wonderful article. I have a business trip to RI area next month, and I’m on the way to visit my friend here, he has told he just got some oak trees for his landscape. It seems that he have hired a local contractor and have his trees trimmed and pruned, i would look for his knowledge based on what i need now

Reply
Iris Smith link
3/5/2023 07:41:41 pm

Thank you for acknowledging the importance of trees as a resource; please think about planting one. The tree is being planted by my sister. I'll advise her to get the tree spades.

Reply



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  • About Master Gardeners
    • National Mission Statement
    • UAEX - Univ of AR Extension Service >
      • Baxter County Extension Office
      • The UA Cooperative Extension Service
      • UAEX Master Gardener Program
    • Baxter County Gov't >
      • County Extension Council
      • County Extension Service
    • Our Structure, Rules & Guidelines >
      • 2023 Organization Chart
      • Bylaws
      • Standing Rules
      • Duties, Projects & Events
      • New Member Orientation
      • Continuing Education & Training
      • Member Status
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events & Outreach
    • Calendar of Events
    • Join Us At Our Meeting
    • Radio Program
    • Annual Plant Sale
    • Spring Seminar
    • Farmers Market
    • Fair Horticulture Room
    • Public Education Booths
    • Hatchery Outdoor Adventure
    • Scholarship
  • Garden Projects
    • Fairgrounds Garden
    • Bull Shoals
    • Clysta Willett
    • Cooper Park
    • Fish Hatchery
    • Extension Office
    • Memorial Gardens
    • Library Pollinator Garden
  • Gardening Tips
    • NATIVE PLANTS
    • Seminar 2025
    • Bringing Nature into your Garden >
      • Native Plant Finder (research by Doug Tallamy, PhD)
      • Creating a Landscape With Native Plants
      • Native Drought-Tolerant Plants
      • Well-Behaved Natives
      • Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
      • Invasive Non-Natives
    • Seminar Horticulture Table
    • DIY Projects
    • Miscellaneous Gardening Projects
  • Members Only
    • Enter Your Hours
    • MG Roster
    • Forms