Below are guidelines shared by CNMI Forestry for a better understanding of factors to consider before planting a tree.
• Selecting the right tree is important. Learn details about the kind of tree you wish to grow. There are fruit bearing, flowering, and hardwood trees of different shapes and sizes. Find out what it would look like when it’s fully grown. Make sure it fits the space and the purpose you have for the tree. Choose a tree that will meet your needs. It can be used as shade, for its fruit, or an accent for landscape. Learn how slow or fast it will grow as well as how small or tall it will be.
• Know how much space the tree needs to grow as it matures, if there are obstacles overhead, to the side or at ground level. Remember the 30-foot rule if planting near power distribution lines that run through residential areas. Trees and plants within 30 feet of power lines should not be higher than 30 feet tall when fully grown. Don’t plant trees that grow over roofs and rain gutters for this can create maintenance problems and damage buildings.
• Identify all nearby underground utilities including cable, sewer and power lines before digging a hole or planting. Do not plant tries on top of underground lines. Trees with invasive roots near underground utilities can also damage facilities.
• Select trees that do not drop leaves that will fall or blow into the pool. Be aware of other plants or small trees to ensure that the large tress will not grow over or out shade them. See that the tree will not grow enough to block a popular spot or desirable view.
• Choose a tree that can be pruned so as not to obstruct safe travel. Avoid planting large trees near driveways, roadways, curbs, and sidewalks where their roots can cause damage. Do not plant trees such that roots can invade and damage neighboring properties.
• Identify and avoid all obstacles that could restrict the canopy and root growth of the tree. The canopy of the tree is its leaves and branches that provide shade. Make sure that the tree selected does not cause safety hazard or nuisance on the area where it is considered to be planted. It must be far enough so that the top, canopy, roots of the tree do not interfere with these obstacles when the tree has grown to its mature size and maximum growth range. The roots can extend two to three times beyond the canopy.
• Consider the conditions of the planting site. Determine if it has enough or less sunlight, natural water source, right type of soil if there is enough to support the tree’s root system. Make sure that the tree is salt tolerant if near the beach. Make sure to plant sturdy trees if the site is windy.
• Look around the vicinity of the neighborhood you live in and asses how others have used trees in their landscaping design. Learn what kinds of trees are growing well. A plant nursery can also help suggest appropriate trees for climate and soil conditions. Learn how much maintenance the tree requires. Do not plant trees that are broad leaved or messy.
“You can have a tree that serves you in many ways. As it grows it provides shade, it can bear fruits as well as shelter for wildlife,” said agriculturist Ben S. Borja.
For more information, call CNMI Forestry at 256 3320
