Often when our clients are installing their precast concrete fence, they are also getting started on the landscaping. This brings up a common question. Can you plant trees near your precast fence? Yes, you can! You just need to be mindful of where you are planting and the type of tree you are planting. Read on for more information.
What Kinds of Trees Can You Plant?
Unfortunately, you can’t plant any tree you want near a precast concrete fence. You want one that is “fence friendly.” This means it won’t grow too large or have extremely aggressive roots.
You also don’t want to plant a tree that has really shallow roots, like the silver maple (Acer saccharinum). The deeper the roots go, the less they will interfere with the precast concrete fence.
Below are some other things to consider.
1. Go for Flowering Trees
Not only are they gorgeous, the small, flowering trees usually have roots that won’t get too aggressive. Some examples are the western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana). Those trees will get to 20-30 maximum height.
2. Pick a Small Tree
A smaller tree doesn’t run the risk of getting in the way of a precast concrete fence. Some examples of smaller trees that also have non-invasive roots are Amur maple (Acer ginnala) and golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculate). Another option is to go for a tall, narrow-shaped tree so that it won’t interfere with the fence.
3. Slow-Growing is Best
Slow-growing trees are “fence friendly.” This is because fast-growing trees grow fast thanks to invasive, fast-growing roots. Slow-growing trees don’t need nutrients as intensively as the fast-growing varieties. Some great slow-growing trees are Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) and Chinese pistache (Pistacia Chinensis)
Other great varieties for planting along a precast concrete fence include:
- Texas Red Oak
- Texas Red Maple
- Rocky Mountain Juniper
- Texas Mountain Laurel
Where Can You Plant?
The roots are the biggest thing you need to think about when planning trees around your precast concrete fence. The next biggest thing is giving the tree enough room to grow.
You need to dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough for the roots to fit inside the hole. If the tree you plant is already mature, this hole could be several feet wide.
Planting smaller trees not only means you will have a smaller hole to dig, but it also gives the tree a better chance of survival. Young seedlings will often quickly grow to be the same size as their mature counterparts – and often outgrow them.
Taking Care of Your Tree After Planting
Once you have planted your tree, your work isn’t done.
You will need to take a bit more care and attention when planting near a fence than you would a normal tree. If you end up with a large and overgrown tree, it could damage your precast concrete fence.
You will need to regularly prune your tree. This ensures that the tree isn’t rubbing up against the fence. This also makes sure there aren’t any weak branches that could fall on your fence.
Lastly, you will need to regularly inspect the roots of your tree. Make sure they aren’t growing in a way that could damage your fence. If the roots are getting too close for comfort, you will need to cut back the roots some.
American Precast Concrete Inc.
If you have any questions about installing, maintaining or repairing your precast concrete, contact American Precast today! We look forward to assisting you with your new or current fence!