Right tree, right place

Nothing beats sitting under a shade tree, sipping lemonade and feeling the gentle breeze. Trees enhance our lives and beautify our homes. That’s why doing some planning before you choose where to plant a tree or bush will give you the most bang for your buck.

Choosing the right tree

To start, think about the reason you want to plant the tree. Are you hoping to shade your yard? Maybe you’re interested in increasing your home’s energy efficiency by blocking out some of the harsh summer sunlight from your rooms. Regardless of your “why,” be sure to select the tree that aligns with your goals. The Arbor Day Foundation offers a free Tree Wizard to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Keep in mind where you live. You can maximize both warming and cooling of your home by planting the right types of trees. Increase cooling shade by planting deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in winter) on the west and east sides of your home. In the winter when the branches are bare, the sun’s rays will help warm your home.

You also can plant trees or shrubs to tunnel summer breezes toward your home or as a windbreak to protect your home from harsh north winds. The most effective windbreak is a mix of evergreen trees and shrubs that will block wind and decrease wind chill.

Selecting the right location for your tree

Stand where you want to plant a tree and look up to see if there are any power lines overhead. Imagine what the tree will look like when it’s fully grown. Trees planted too close to power lines can grow into big problems. Unfortunately, trees planted too close to utility lines and easements must be cut down or severely pruned to provide required clearance for Duke Energy to maintain service reliability.

Tip: To give your trees the best start, we recommend planting in a protected area with worked-up soil such as a garden. After one to two years, simply transplant to your desired permanent location when the trees are dormant.

Prepare the soil

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil to provide the best possible growing conditions for your new plant. Start by loosening the soil with a shovel or garden fork to improve aeration and drainage. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, consider adding some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

Tip: Avoid utilizing fertilizers, potting soil or chemicals on your young trees, as these substances can kill your baby trees. Opt instead for natural methods to nurture and promote their growth.

Planting technique

When it comes time to plant, follow these simple steps:

• Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the plant’s root ball.
• Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots if they are tightly bound.
• Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to eliminate any air pockets.
• Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment.

Tip: Assess the root systems of your trees individually. Dig a single hole for each tree, spanning 1 foot in width and extending 1 inch deeper than the root length. Ensure proper spacing by maintaining 2 ½ feet between each hole.

You’re not alone in planting

Even here at Duke Energy, we are consistently thinking about the best ways to plant trees. Our qualified tree personnel are trained to use integrated vegetation management (IVM) to inspect and clear vegetation that poses a threat to our distribution and transmission lines. We have even been recognized by TreeLine USA®, a program that highlights best practices in public and private utility arboriculture, demonstrating how trees and utilities can coexist for the benefit of communities and citizens.

Within the past few years, we have been thrilled to collaborate with organizations dedicated to arboriculture within the communities we serve. These efforts have championed the energy-saving advantages of trees while guiding individuals in selecting the perfect tree for their needs and surroundings. Together, we ensure that customers are not alone in their efforts to enhance the environment and create sustainable landscapes.

Calling before you dig

Before you put your shovel in the ground, always call 811 a few days before you plan on planting. Each utility company will be notified and will send a locator to mark the location of underground lines. It’s the last step but the most important one to ensure you don’t hit a line when digging.

In addition, make sure you are planting at the appropriate time of year. Depending on where you live, planting season may be in the spring or fall.

By following these quick guidelines, you can be assured of a healthy tree, which can give you a lifetime of enjoyment.