Chapter 16: Trees

Damrosch frames tree cultivation as a long-term investment that extends beyond immediate aesthetic concerns, emphasizing how trees provide shade, habitat, oxygen generation, carbon sequestration, and lasting emotional value to landscapes. The discussion begins with the multifaceted benefits trees offer, including energy conservation through strategic placement, erosion control, privacy screening, and wildlife support. When selecting appropriate trees, gardeners must evaluate mature dimensions, root expansion patterns, and site-specific conditions such as soil composition, drainage capacity, exposure to wind, and light availability. Scale and context prove essential—trees must relate proportionally to surrounding structures, utilities, and neighboring plants while respecting their natural growth form. The chapter guides readers in evaluating nursery stock and distinguishing between bare-root, balled-and-burlapped, and container-grown options, with particular attention to identifying problematic conditions like girdled roots. Detailed planting instructions address hole preparation, backfilling techniques, staking protocols, irrigation schedules, and mulch application, while cautioning against common errors such as excessive planting depth or allowing mulch to contact the trunk, both of which promote disease. Pruning methodology emphasizes structural development in young trees and removal of damaged or competing branches while maintaining the tree's inherent form rather than imposing artificial shapes. Damrosch advocates restraint and discourages practices like severe shearing or topping that compromise tree health. Design applications include using trees as focal points, visual barriers, overhead canopies, and seasonal interest elements. The chapter stresses the importance of exercising restraint by limiting species diversity and preventing overcrowding, allowing carefully chosen specimens to establish strong presence. Recommended species include red maple, serviceberry, sugar maple, crabapple, birch, oak, linden, and dogwood, each with information regarding growth characteristics, visual qualities, cold hardiness zones, and maintenance requirements. The chapter concludes by acknowledging that while tree cultivation demands thoughtful attention and patience, the progressive rewards unfolding across decades make trees among the most valuable contributions to future landscapes.