Trees are indispensable companions in the garden. They give structure to the garden space, set accents, give maturity, shade and improve the climate.
Trees create shade and structure in the garden
Trees need space
However, before you put a tree in your garden, you should be clear about the following: Trees need space to find their livelihood and to develop their characteristic shape. In addition, a tree casts more and more shadows over time and therefore takes away the light from the garden and other plants. Ergo, trees in the home garden should correspond to the light needs of humans, animals and plants in terms of their density and size when fully grown. So choose a tree that is appropriate for the space available. Furthermore, the distances from trees to the property line are specified in the neighborhood law of the respective federal states. This also limits the possible garden design.
Garden design with trees
In addition to the size and growth characteristics, when selecting the tree, its shape in the broadest sense is also taken into account. The main selection criteria are the growth form, the foliage and possible special features such as particularly attractive flowers, fruits or bark.
Growth form shapes character
Many trees and shrubs develop into special growth forms such as:
- Columns (column ornamental cherry, columnar oak, columnar beech)
- Balls (ball maple, ball locust)
- Shapes with hanging branches (weeping ash, weeping elm, weeping willow)
- Shapes with branches twisted like a corkscrew (corkscrew willow)
These forms, which deviate from the normal habit, require a special place in the garden so that their striking shape comes into its own. Clear forms such as columns and spheres require a geometric position; they can be placed in the center in pairs at the entrance, planted as an avenue or in a roundabout. Hanging forms should be able to descend onto a calm surface (e.g. lawn or water) or onto an area of planting.
Careful color planning
Trees whose leaf and needle color deviate from the usual green should also be used in the garden as a special feature. In a motley mixture of colors, the effects cancel each other out, but attractive effects can be achieved with color groups and careful color matching. A single tree with variegated white or yellow foliage shines out particularly strikingly from the surrounding dark green. A red-leaved tree in particular is always a striking sight. There are red-leaved varieties of maple, beech, crab apple and ornamental plum. Accompanied by shrubs and perennials with flowers in pink and purple tones, they are a special eye-catcher.
tips
In some communities, the development plan prescribes the tree species to be planted. These regulations must be taken into account when planning the garden.