Location, Location, Location

NZ Landscaper
Nov 1
3 min read

Choosing trees is as much about foresight as it is about aesthetics. In this expert

guide, Jon Muller explains how selecting the right species – and siting it carefully –

can turn potential problems into long-term landscape assets

When I visit more established gardens, there are often large trees on site. However, they are regularly not suitable for the location in terms of their size and position in the landscape. Estate agents love to say ‘location, location, location’ – and it’s the same with trees!

If you plant a large tree in the wrong location without thinking of its position and size in 10 or 20 years, it’s quite likely it will have to be removed.

That can be heartbreaking for a client, who has seen the tree grow to maturity. However, in some cases, the tree may be a danger to structures or people due to potential branch drop, blocking drains or causing issues with shading.

If I see an issue with a large tree, I often engage a competent arborist to discuss options. I prefer arborists who are members of the Arboriculture Association, know the trees in your region and have adequate insurance.

One of my arborist’s pet dislikes is when a client says “can you please tidy up my very large tree”, which happens to be in a confined space under power lines. Damage control after the fact can be daunting – but it may be the only option.

Take the long-term view

If you are starting with a clean slate with a new house and garden, then you can plan your trees with the long-term view in mind. You need to think about whether your client’s desired tree is suitable for the climate, soil and, most importantly, the location. For example, Metrosideros excelsa, pohutukawa is an ideal large coastal tree, which looks great along a coastal boulevard but shouldn’t be used in residential landscapes.

It grows naturally on cliff faces in the North and East of New Zealand and has developed strong root systems to adapt to these conditions. However, in a small residential property, they can destroy structures such as house foundations, walls and paths with their very strong roots.

Large trees, when correctly used, will enhance and add value to a site – hence the value of seeking advice from an experienced garden designer. I recently viewed an existing landscape job with very artful design features, in which Populus tremula ‘Erecta’ had been planted in narrow planters close to a house.

These trees have very invasive roots and suckers, so shouldn’t be planted near drains or buildings. They also grow to 15m tall, so easily dwarf the surrounding residential buildings.

Tree growth can also vary significantly, depending on the area, even in the same region. For example, a Fraxinus excelsior (ash) in Wellington’s shallow greywacke soils will not perform as well the same tree in the Hutt Valley’s alluvial soils.

Some trees to avoid altogether are forestry trees such as Pinus radiata, Cupressus macrocarpa, (Eucalyptus) species and Pseudotsuga (Douglas fir) – although normally, these trees are the existing ones you need to remove first.

Also, it’s best not to plant tall native forest trees such as kauri, rimu or totara – although totara can be trained when young to be a hedge.

Avoid at all costs

One palm tree you should always avoid is Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm), as it’s very hard to fell due to the corrosive effective of its sap on chainsaws and its very dense fibrous stem. Again, you are more likely to encounter this tree when you have been asked to remove it.

When clients with problematic trees ask me when the right time to remove them is, I always say ‘right now’, as leaving it only makes the problem worse!

Top picks for urban clients

Below are some examples of trees more suited to an urban environment. While these are more likely to have a manageable size, you still need to ensure the environmental conditions (moisture, wind, light and soil) are right for each tree. For example, maples don’t like strong winds.

Acer palmatum, maple.

Alectryon excelsus, titoki.

Betula pendula, sliver birch.

Cornus capitata, dogwood.

Griselinia littoralis, kapuka.

Liquidambar styraciflua, sweetgum.

Magnolia ‘Heaven Scent’ (or other smaller vars.)

Michelia doltsopa, sweet magnolia.

Olea europaea, olive.

Pittosporum tenuifolium, kohuhu.

Prunus serrulata, cherry.

Pseudopanax lessonii, houpara.