What should I consider when choosing where to plant a tree?

Start by understanding your site orientation and microclimate. Consider which way your garden faces, where the prevailing wind comes from, and how nearby buildings or other trees affect conditions. North-facing areas need trees planted at a distance to allow daylight into the building. South-facing aspects suit deciduous trees that provide summer shade while letting winter sun through. West-facing walls benefit from closely spaced evergreen trees to reduce solar gain and wind exposure.

Can trees add value to my property?

Yes. Correctly placed trees can reduce home energy consumption by up to 15% and add 15–20% to your property value in most cases. Shade trees cool your home and conserve energy, while specimen trees add long-term maturity and character to a garden.

What trees are best for screening?

For screening, choose trees that block undesirable views and provide a privacy buffer. Evergreen species maintain cover year-round and are ideal for boundary planting. Consider the mature height and spread carefully so the tree delivers screening at the right level without becoming a problem in future.

Which trees provide the best summer shade?

Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house to shade your roof, walls and windows during the summer. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, allowing solar access when you need it most, while providing deep shade in the growing season to reduce cooling costs.

What trees are best for windbreaks?

Plant evergreen trees between your house and the prevailing winter winds to serve as a windbreak and help reduce utility bills. Closely spaced evergreens provide the most effective wind protection throughout the year and can significantly reduce heat loss from exposed buildings.

How do I choose trees to attract wildlife?

Plant native trees and shrubs with berries, flowers and edible fruit to attract birds and other wildlife. Native species provide the best habitat for local wildlife, supporting insects, nesting birds and small mammals. Trees such as rowans, hawthorns and native cherries are particularly valuable.

What trees should I plant for autumn colour?

Plant trees and shrubs with spring flowers and autumn colour to accent your landscape with seasonal interest. Species such as maples, liquidambars, rowans and amelanchiers offer spectacular autumn foliage and can provide year-round garden interest across multiple seasons.

Selecting the Right Tree for Your Space

Location & Aspect

Where you plant matters most

Planting for natural shade means matching species to your site conditions so your tree can thrive and enhance your home.

Think about how sun, shade and shelter shape your garden. The right tree in the right position delivers cooling shade, wildlife habitat and long-term health.

North-facing side: trees should be at a distance from the north-facing side to allow daylight into the building.

East-facing walls: evergreen trees spaced at a distance provide shading for east-facing walls.

West-facing walls: evergreen, closely spaced trees and shrubs shade west-facing walls and reduce solar gain.

Wind management: use a plantation for funneling wind to or away from the building as required.

South side: deciduous trees provide solar access during winter along with deep verandahs, while giving summer shade.

Planting guide showing natural shade and tree placement in the garden

Treescaping Around Your Home

The right tree in the right place adds real value

Correctly placed trees can reduce home energy consumption up to 15% and add 15–20% to your property value in most cases.

Correct placement of trees allows you to celebrate your home's architecture. Think carefully about what role each tree plays: shade, screening, structure or seasonal beauty.

Shade trees: plant to cool your home and conserve energy. Properly placed shade trees provide shade for roofs, walls, windows and air conditioners. Species to consider: Shumard Red Oak, Bur Oak, Live Oak, Cedar Elm, Bald Cypress.

Majestic trees: plant in your backyard to be enjoyed for generations. Species to consider: DD Blanchard Southern Magnolia, Shumard Red Oak, Live Oak, Chinese Pistache, Autumn Blaze Maple.

Value trees: trees strengthen the maturity and marketability of your home. Species to consider: Chinese Pistache, Live Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Autumn Blaze Maple, Bur Oak, Lace Bark Elm.

Screening trees: plant to screen undesirable views and provide a privacy buffer. Species to consider: Eastern Red Cedar, DD Blanchard Southern Magnolia, East Palatka Holly.

Ornamental trees: plant for accent and beauty. Species to consider: Vitex, Crepe Myrtle, Desert Willow, Little Gem Magnolia.

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Note the directional placement: always consider the compass orientation of your site before selecting and positioning trees for maximum effect.

Treescaping illustration showing tree placement and landscape structure around a home

Landscaping with Trees

Creating a landscape that works for you

A well-planned landscape uses trees purposefully; every species earns its place.

Whether you're designing a residential garden, a commercial project or a public planting scheme, the placement of each tree should be considered carefully against your site's conditions and the year-round effect you want to achieve.

Windbreaks: plant evergreen trees between your house and the prevailing winter winds to serve as a windbreak and help reduce utility bills.

Summer shade: plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house to shade your roof, walls and windows during the summer.

Wildlife value: plant native trees and shrubs with berries, flowers and edible fruit to attract birds and other wildlife.

Screening: plant to screen undesirable views while enhancing the character of your outdoor space.

Seasonal colour: plant trees and shrubs with spring flowers and autumn colour to accent your landscape.

Landscaping illustration showing trees placed for form, function and seasonal interest

Next Steps

Ready to plant?

Once you've found your perfect tree, our comprehensive planting guide walks you through everything from preparation to aftercare. Or browse our full selection and get started today.

Planting & Aftercare Guide Browse the Shop

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Selectingyour tree

Where you plant matters most

The right tree in the right place adds real value

Creating a landscape that works for you

Ready to plant?

Selecting
your tree