Tree Planting Guide
We take the guess work out of planting!
Ensuring proper tree planting is crucial. Our arborist are up to date with recent revisions in planting guidelines by the green industry to reflect advancements in modern growing methods, nursery materials, and a deeper understanding of soils and plant growth. To ensure your newly planted tree thrives, follow our arborists recommended practices provided below.
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The Good Tree's Recommended Trees to plant...
Overstory trees- Trees that will grow taller than 30 ft and will need to be planted with their future growth in mind. We recommend planting these trees approximately 15 ft. away from structures, adjacent trees, and any power lines for optimal growth and future success. Any flowering tree will have the letter (F) next to it.
Autumn Blaze Maple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_%C3%97_freemanii
Chinkapin Oak https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/chinkapin-oak
Southern Red Oak https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/southern-red-oak
Shumard Oak https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/shumard-oak
Willow Oak https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/willow-oak
Sawtooth Oak https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/sawtooth-oak
Tulip Poplar https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/yellow-poplar/tuliptree/tulip-poplar
River Birch https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/river-birch
Dawn Redwood https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/dawn-redwood
Bald Cypress https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/baldcypress
Southern Magnolia (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/southern-magnolia
Green Giant Arborvitae https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/thuja-green-giant/#:~:text=%27Green%20Giant%27%20has%20a%20low,of%2012%20to%2018%20feet.
Understory Trees: These trees generally do not reach heights above 30 feet. These species can be planted in flower/ garden spaces or in smaller growing areas. We recommend planting these trees approximately 5-10 feet from other plants, structures, and from any power line for optimal growth and future success. Any flowering tree will have the letter (F) next to it.
Flowering Dogwood (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/kousa-dogwood
Crape Myrtle (F) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagerstroemia
Eastern Redbud https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/eastern-redbud
Japanese Maple https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/japanese-maple
Zelkolva https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/japanese-zelkova
Lacebark Elm https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/chinese-elm
Serviceberry (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/serviceberry
Star Magnolia (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/star-magnolia
Saucer Magnolia (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/saucer-magnolia
Little Gem Magnolia (F) https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem/
Flowering Cherry (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/flowering-cherry
Yoshino Cherry (F) https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/yoshino-cherry
Evergreen/ Privacy Trees- These trees make great privacy screens, windbreaks, and stay green all year round. These trees generally require less maintenance and cleanup that the deciduous trees listed above. We recommend planting these trees 3-5 feet away from adjacent trees to give them room to grow and fill in over time. These trees can be planted in a staggered position if an immediate screen is desired.
Foster Holly https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/fosters-holly
Nellie R Stevens Holly https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/nellie-r-stevens-holly
Steeplechase Arborvitae https://kiefernursery.com/product/thuja-x-steeplechase-p-p-16094/
Emerald Green Arborviate https://itrees.com/emerald-green-arborvitae.html#:~:text=Emerald%20Green%20Arborvitae%20is%20tolerant,root%20system%20is%20well%2Destablished.
Cherry Laurel https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/cherry-laurel
Little Gem Magnolia (F) https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem/