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A tree is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your property. It provides shade, enhances your landscape, supports wildlife and can even increase property value.
But choosing the wrong tree, or planting the right tree in the wrong location, can lead to expensive problems years down the track.
At Arbor Centre, we often see issues that could have been avoided with a little planning from the beginning. Here’s what every property owner should consider before planting.
1. Planting Too Close to Your Home
That small sapling from the nursery might look harmless today, but what will it look like in 10, 20 or even 50 years?
One of the most common mistakes is planting trees too close to buildings, driveways, retaining walls, fences or underground services. As trees mature, both their canopy and root systems expand significantly. While roots don’t typically “break” solid foundations, they naturally seek out moisture and can exploit existing cracks in pipes, lift paving, damage retaining walls or create ongoing maintenance issues if the tree hasn’t been given enough space.
Before planting, think beyond the tree’s current size and consider its mature height, canopy spread and root zone.
2. Choosing the Wrong Species
Not every tree is suited to every property.
A species that thrives on a large rural block may be completely unsuitable for a suburban backyard. Likewise, a tree selected purely because it grows quickly may eventually outgrow the available space, require frequent pruning or create conflicts with nearby structures and services.
When selecting a tree, consider:
- The available growing space
- Soil type and drainage
- Sunlight and prevailing weather conditions
- Proximity to buildings, pools, powerlines and underground services
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
- The purpose of the tree, whether it’s for shade, screening, a feature planting or habitat
Choosing a species that naturally suits the site will usually require less maintenance and provide better long-term results.
3. Think About the Future, Not Just Today
A newly planted tree can look perfectly positioned today, but landscapes evolve.
Will the canopy eventually block solar panels? Will branches interfere with neighbouring properties? Could future renovations or extensions be affected? Planning ahead helps avoid costly pruning, removals or infrastructure repairs later.
The old Arboriculture principle of “the right tree in the right place” remains one of the simplest and smartest ways to create healthy, sustainable landscapes.
Expert Advice Makes All the Difference
Every property is different. Soil conditions, available space, surrounding infrastructure and your long-term goals all influence which species will perform best.
At Arbor Centre, our consulting Arborists help homeowners, developers, councils and businesses select tree species that will thrive for decades, not create problems.
Whether you’re planning a new landscape, replacing an existing tree or simply want advice before you plant a new tree or any existing trees, getting expert guidance early can save significant time and money in the future.
Plant once. Plant well. Plant for the future.
If you’re unsure which tree is right for your property, contact the Arbor Centre team for professional advice before you put the shovel in the ground.
Get in touch with us today!
📧 ua.moc.ertnecrobra@seiriuqne
📞 (08) 9359 9300
visit www.arborcentre.com.au
Find out more about our services.