Guidance for tree selection

Question: I would love some direction on what trees to plant along the perimeter of my backyard.  Right now it is all Bermuda grass. We do have a 20x10 section of the yard where we are enjoying a vegetable garden, and hope to expand that in the future, perhaps with some fruit trees or flowering trees to attract pollinators. We have been putting off just getting some trees in the ground because it feels like such a permanent task. Would love some larger shade trees for the backdrop as well as seasonal interest with a mix of flowering trees and evergreens. Would like to increase privacy along the East fence and energy savings would also be a plus.  I have attached a drawing of our lot for reference.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 6:32 PM EDT
response: Is there someone else that can deal with this question. I am tied up until early next week. Thank you. Tom Traxler Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone  On Monday, June 24, 2024, 3:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: Hi Tom, Question #0144389 has been assigned to you by David H. Guidance for tree selection I would love some direction on what trees to plant along the perimeter of my backyard. Right now it is all Bermuda grass. We do have a 20x10 section of the yard where we are enjoying a vegetable garden, and hope to expand that in the future, perhaps with some fruit trees or flowering trees to attract pollinators. We have been putting off just getting some trees in the ground because it feels like such a permanent task. Would love some larger shade trees for the backdrop as well as seasonal interest with a mix of flowering trees and evergreens. Would like to increase privacy along the East fence and energy savings would also be a plus. I have attached a drawing of our lot for reference. From: Christine ThomasSubmitted: 06/24/2024 3:20 PM  To view/respond to the question, please login.  Please join the Ask Extension Experts group in Connect Extension. We will use that group to post updates about Ask Extension.This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
response: Hi there,  I submitted a question last month but have not gotten a response. Please see below if someone is able to help. Thank you!  On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 2:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    Dear Christine, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0144389: Guidance for tree selection I would love some direction on what trees to plant along the perimeter of my backyard. Right now it is all Bermuda grass. We do have a 20x10 section of the yard where we are enjoying a vegetable garden, and hope to expand that in the future, perhaps with some fruit trees or flowering trees to attract pollinators. We have been putting off just getting some trees in the ground because it feels like such a permanent task. Would love some larger shade trees for the backdrop as well as seasonal interest with a mix of flowering trees and evergreens. Would like to increase privacy along the East fence and energy savings would also be a plus. I have attached a drawing of our lot for reference. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 5:51 PM EDT
response: Hello Christine. This is Tom. I am a Master Gardener in Oklahoma County. Now is not a good time to plant trees - spring and fall are the right times to do this. Also, it is going to take time for trees to produce any shade since they will have to grow to do this. Also you will need to do some planning as to what kinds of trees you want to plant where.  I am enclosing the links to several OSU fact sheets that will help you make these decisions. You will find them below. Also I recommend a soil sample before planting any trees.  Also a call to the Oklahoma County extension office or visit at 2500 NE 63rd Street can help if you have further questions. The number is<personal data hidden>5 Thank you for your email. Tom