Resources & Guides

When planning a large property landscape, choosing the right trees is essential. You want species that provide shade, structure, and long-term value without excessive maintenance.

White Oak is one of the best investments for large acreage. Though slower growing, its mature spread of 60–80 feet creates massive shade coverage, and a single tree can live for centuries.

Red Maple offers the best of both worlds — relatively fast growth (2–3 feet per year) combined with spectacular fall color. It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, making it versatile for varied terrain.

Silver Maple is the fastest-growing option, adding 3+ feet per year. It's ideal for quickly establishing shade and screening on new properties.

American Elm brings classic elegance with its vase-shaped canopy. Disease-resistant cultivars make this iconic tree a viable option again for lining driveways and property borders.

Creating a natural privacy barrier is one of the most common reasons property owners invest in bulk tree planting. The key is choosing species that grow quickly while maintaining dense foliage.

Silver Maple leads the pack with growth rates exceeding 3 feet per year. Plant them 15–20 feet apart for a dense screen within 5–7 years.

River Birch grows 2–3 feet per year and offers year-round visual interest with its distinctive peeling bark. Plant in groups of 3–5 for a natural, informal screening effect.

Red Maple provides fast growth with the bonus of brilliant fall color. Its dense canopy fills in quickly, providing privacy from spring through fall.

For best results, plant your privacy screen in staggered double rows. Space trees 12–15 feet apart within rows, with rows offset by 8–10 feet. This creates a continuous visual barrier much faster than a single row.

Planting seedlings correctly is the single most important factor in their survival and long-term health. Follow these steps for the best results.

Timing: Plant bare-root seedlings in early spring (before bud break) or late fall (after dormancy). Avoid planting during hot summer months or when the ground is frozen.

Soil Preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread and deep enough that the root collar sits at ground level. Loosen compacted soil around the hole to encourage root growth.

Planting: Place the seedling in the hole, spread roots naturally (don't circle them), and backfill with native soil. Press firmly to eliminate air pockets. The root collar should be at or slightly above ground level.

Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting. For the first growing season, water deeply once a week if rainfall is less than 1 inch. Reduce frequency after the first year as roots establish.

Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch in a 3-foot circle around each seedling, keeping mulch 2 inches from the trunk. This retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses competing weeds.

Protection: Install tree tubes or guards if deer, rabbits, or rodents are present. These also create a greenhouse effect that can accelerate early growth by 30–50%.