Now that we’ve cleared your lot for site services and building (see “Lot Clearing for Spring Building) it’s time to start planning for spring. Start by sketching out your property line, block in your future house, then plot out where you want your hedge for privacy, garden and trees. Think of the sun’s path and shadows cast down by mature trees. Sometimes, shade is exactly what you want, but if a bright yard is in your plans, keep tall trees toward your outside border to allow the sunlight into the centre of your design. Plan for hardscape and softscape. Hardscape are manmade features like pergolas, fences, walkways and rock walls. Softscapes are the horticultural aspects of your landscape – plants, trees and flower beds.
Landscape Trees You May Want to Consider
Fast Growing Shade Trees
Shade trees can keep your home and yard cooler, preserve energy and add wildlife habitat to urban settings. It’s estimated that shade trees have a cooling effect that can match the efficiency of your household AC, dropping the temperature up to 15 degrees (but without the hydro bill). Inside, homes are protected from sun streaming in the windows that heat up walls and floors. Outside, leafy (deciduous) trees absorb heat and cast shadows down protecting plants against sun scorch. Lawns, flowering and shade loving favs thrive under the protection of their branches. Think begonias, ferns and hostas bordering a vibrant green lawn while water and energy conservation are achieved.
- Sugar Maples
- Weeping Willow
- Oak Trees
- Lombardy Poplar
- Paper Birch
- Sycamore
Flowering Trees for Colour
More perks for owning that gorgeous flowering tree in your back yard include the scent in blooming season, and habitats for birds (like the above photo of a goldfinch in a flowering crabapple), and pollinators like butterflies and bumblebees. Any fruit tree for our zone will flower and give you delicious fruit in season.
- Flowering Crabapple
- Dogwood
- Hawthorn
- Magnolia
- Redbud Forest Pansy
Call Twin Rivers Tree Services and Landscaping for a project consultation. We love talking about trees, taking care of urban forests and removing hazardous and fallen trees to keep communities safe. Don’t hesitate to call us for emergency tree services this winter if you need our help. We are conveniently located in Kamloops, Sechelt and the Fraser Valley.
Phone: (250) 851-1121 – Kamloops, BC
Phone: (604) 989-0588 – Abbotsford BC