Right tree, right roots
It is sad to see a beautiful tree planted where it will someday create a maintenance nightmare.
It is all too common for trees to grow too close to sidewalks, houses or streets and their roots to grow close to the surface, eventually becoming a hazard.
Many trees will live centuries beyond us, so thoughtful choice of tree and location is required to give confidence that their useful beauty will remain for their extended life.
Although shape, color and height are typical considerations, if you plan to locate a new tree near structures, pavement or underground utilities, the most essential criteria is a root system that grows deep instead of broad.
Root structure, though characteristic of each species, is rarely shown on the tag as the root structure being can be influenced by multiple variables. Variables including the depth and type of soil in which it is planted and the watering regime it receives once it is established.
With those unknowns, sellers are frequently unwilling to state root structure. A buyer must dig deeper and do their own research.
There are many good sites and databases researching befitting trees and information on their root systems.
My favorite site is, “Urban Forest Ecosystem Institute.” It is a huge database created for California so some trees that will work well in Oklahoma may not be listed. The site has a wealth of additional information about trees in an easily searched database.
It is important to take into account your local climate. Plant tags and databases include USDA Hardiness Zones, generally Oklahoma is Hardiness Zone 6 or 7. Be sure to take that into account in your search.
Oklahoma State University also offers a useful list of plants that work well in Oklahoma called “Oklahoma Proven.” The list includes various kinds of plants well adapted to the varied and difficult Oklahoma climate.
Another good database is, “Trees and Plants for Oklahoma City.” It is not searchable but it has specific lists for trees suitable near streets (and other confined spaces), under power lines and near underground utilities.
“City of Norman Recommended Tree List” and “Species For Edmond” are useful lists of recommended city trees. But beware. Both of these lists have the same shortcoming of our “Oklahoma Proven” list. They give little to no information about suitability for placement near structures or underground utilities.
For Edmond city residents there is a “Foster a Tree” program every year. In the program, the city of Edmond agrees to plant a tree in the right-of-way if the homeowner agrees to help take care of the tree.
Their list of selections for that year is made available in late summer. Trees offered through this program are specifically selected for planting near streets and will have been chosen for safety around sidewalks and utilities. You must still consider mature size, as the “Foster a Tree” program offers some trees that require a greater planting space than others.
The Oklahoma County OSU Extension Service also offers a number of resources relating to plants of all kinds. For more information on Oklahoma County OSU Extension and the resources they offer call 405-713-1125 or visit their website at http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma.
