1. Trees
Backyard Ecosystems

2. Shapes of Trees
Knowing the shape of a tree can be helpful when planting and designing your landscape
Being able to correctly identify a tree shape can help you identify the type of tree that is already in your yard.
When choosing trees to plant in your yard, it’s important to pick ones whose shape fits in with your overall design. For example, if you want something tall and thin, you’ll be much more successful if you choose a tree that naturally grows in a tall columnar shape, rather than trying to keep a wide, sprawling tree pruned into submission.
Since every tree is different, naming the shapes is something less than an exact science, but in general they tend to fall into categories.

3. Columnar Shaped Trees Very tall and thin with upright branches.
Vertical shape adds height.
Good addition to landscape without taking up too much space.

4. Columnar Shaped Trees (cont.)
Leyland Cypress

5. Pyramidal or Conical Shaped Trees
Wider at the bottom with a main center trunk
Horizontal branches
Branches can start at ground level or higher up the trunk.
Conical shaped are similar, but more slender
Very large

6. Pyramidal or Conical Shaped Trees (cont.)
Colorado Spruce Trees

7. Vase Shaped Trees
A central trunk that branches into an upright, arching shape that is widest at the top.
Perfect for walkways in your landscape
Offer shade and headroom

8. Vase Shaped Tree
Crape Myrtle

9. Round or Oval Shaped Trees
Central strong trunk that branches into a dense round or oval shaped crown
Dense foliage
Lots of shade

10. Round or Oval Shaped Tree
Sugar Maple Tree

11. Spreading or Open Shaped Trees
Open and sometimes irregular shaped
Sometimes wider than they are tall
Some are taller while some are shorter
Make dappled shade and great for softening buildings

12. Spreading or Open Shaped Tree
Dogwood

13. Weeping Shaped Trees
Flexible and long branches that hang down and may touch the ground.
Sometimes irregular and dramatically shaped.
Not great near walkways or streets

14. Weeping Shaped Trees (cont.)
Weeping Willow Tree

15. Umbrella Shaped Tree Fairly high branches that spread wide.
If branches are high enough, good for sitting areas or patios

16. Umbrella Shaped Tree (cont.)
Japanese Maple

17. Other things to consider:
Cost of maintenance of trees
Tree trimming
Tree removal if needed
Fertilization
Insect control
Tree Injections
Where to plant your tree is important!

18. Placement of Trees Understand your root system of your tree!
If you plant your tree to close to your house it could cause damage eventually.
Foundation of the home
Basement walls

19. Roots Some tree roots can pop up above the ground.
Causing damage to these roots could cause damage to the tree.
Knowing your tree roots is important.
Shallow roots are more prone to drought and damage, but they will grow faster.