WHat is a Tree?
A large plant with a (singular or multiple) structural trunk that supports branches upward or away from the trunk.
What is the Difference between a tree and a Shrub?
Trees are plants with the highest growth accomplishments and a singular (or up to 3) supporting wood trunk(s) that bear branches laterally a distance above the ground. Some species may "sucker" or grow mini trees along its roots such as Aspens, Apples, or Chokecherry. Pruning these suckers and branches can help maintain that perfect tree shape and help the plant grow to its most productive potential. Allowing "Suckers" to create additional trunks may allow your tree to identify as a Shrub instead!
Shrubs are multi-stemmed plants that can span from less that 1 ft to over 6 ft tall. They tend to bush out in the middle and can be pruned into multiple shapes. You can use shrubs that have a dense structure to create natural borders, fences, or screens.
Vines are plants that grow in a climbing or trailing manner. Sometimes they can give the appearance of having a "Trunk" but should not be self-supporting.
Shrubs are multi-stemmed plants that can span from less that 1 ft to over 6 ft tall. They tend to bush out in the middle and can be pruned into multiple shapes. You can use shrubs that have a dense structure to create natural borders, fences, or screens.
Vines are plants that grow in a climbing or trailing manner. Sometimes they can give the appearance of having a "Trunk" but should not be self-supporting.
What is the difference between Evergreen, Coniferous, & Deciduous?
Evergreens are very hardy plants that maintain their leaves all year long, regardless of temperature. They are never truly dormant.
For example, Spruce and Pines are evergreens as are Barberry and Manzanita.
Coniferous plants bear cones (generally as seeds), needle like leaves, "scale" or miscellaneous shaped leaves, have softer wood, and create Resin. Many are evergreen.
For example, Spruce and Pines are Coniferous as are Junipers and Arborvitae.
Deciduous plants are your common leafy plants that loose their leaves every year during the colder seasons. They consistently follow the seasons and are dormant during the winter months to conserve energy.
For example, Aspens, oaks, Elms, and all fruit trees are deciduous.
For example, Spruce and Pines are evergreens as are Barberry and Manzanita.
Coniferous plants bear cones (generally as seeds), needle like leaves, "scale" or miscellaneous shaped leaves, have softer wood, and create Resin. Many are evergreen.
For example, Spruce and Pines are Coniferous as are Junipers and Arborvitae.
Deciduous plants are your common leafy plants that loose their leaves every year during the colder seasons. They consistently follow the seasons and are dormant during the winter months to conserve energy.
For example, Aspens, oaks, Elms, and all fruit trees are deciduous.
What is a Shade Tree?
The language surrounding shade can be difficult. When shopping for trees, look at information about each plant's sunlight requirement, their general growth habits, and their general mature size. This can help you determine if it is a shade loving tree or a shade producing tree.
Most Crabapples have a habit that many call the "Umbrella" shape, and while these trees to create a wonderful umbrella of shade, they do not get tall enough for everyone to comfortably stand under.
Most Crabapples have a habit that many call the "Umbrella" shape, and while these trees to create a wonderful umbrella of shade, they do not get tall enough for everyone to comfortably stand under.
HOw To Prepare for planting.
Start with evaluating the soil where you would like to plant. If the soil is compact, tough, and pale you may need to amend the soil before planting to ensure success. If the soil is dark, loose, moist, and full of worms you may be ready to go. We have soil testing kits available and everything you need to make your dirt hospitable.
It is important to build a large hole for each plant with loose soil in the base for fresh roots to wiggle through. The general recommendation is to dig a hole double the circumference of the container the plant is currently in.
If you have heavy clay soil (you can easily make a pot with a dirt clod, water does not drain or creates natural ponds, etc.) or tough baren soil, you will need to dig a hole 3x the size of the container, predominantly to loosen up the soil surrounding your planting. Remove 2/3s of the soil and add amendment to reach desired pH and consistency.
It is important to build a large hole for each plant with loose soil in the base for fresh roots to wiggle through. The general recommendation is to dig a hole double the circumference of the container the plant is currently in.
If you have heavy clay soil (you can easily make a pot with a dirt clod, water does not drain or creates natural ponds, etc.) or tough baren soil, you will need to dig a hole 3x the size of the container, predominantly to loosen up the soil surrounding your planting. Remove 2/3s of the soil and add amendment to reach desired pH and consistency.
How To plant
Multi Stemmed Trees
Fruiting |
Shade Producing Trees
Ornamental |
Evergreen Trees
Xeric Trees |
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Not Sure What To Plant?
Purchase one of our Plant Guides! We have a Shrub and Tree guide or an Annual and Perennial Guide ($4.95). These magazines feature full-sized images of plants specifically for the Rocky Mountain region. *please note that the plants listed in these guides DO NOT suggest that we have them in stock or regularly carry them* |
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