One of the things I love most about this time of year is getting to see the structure and shape of trees without the distraction of leaves. Honestly, some of them are more interesting without leaves than with. Once everything turns green, the gnarly branches and scaffolding get lost.
I don't think a lot of people take shape into consideration, when choosing trees for their landscape. We look for flowers, fruits and fall color, maybe we'll worry about how large the tree will get, but few of us say, "I'd like a nice pyramidal tree to contrast with the two vase-shaped ones I have." Funny, because we do that all the time when choosing smaller plants for our gardens.
If you've never really considered the architecture of trees, I encourage you to look at a comparison photo gallery our Tree & Shrubs Guide, Vanessa Richins, has put together. Then take a walk through a public garden, arboretum or even an old graveyard. (You'd be amazed at the wonderful plants in cemeteries.) It will give you a renewed appreciation for the bare bones of trees.
Read more: Tree Shapes in the Landscape
Photo: biewoef / stock.xchng.
Comments
Marie, thanks for a great tip about considering “tree” shapes in the landscape! And it’s a very important aspect to think about. I am use to looking down more then up most of the time. I am soooo ready for Spring and it;s just around the corner! Yeah!!!!!!!
Kathie in Denver.
“I am use to looking down more then up ” – Too true and very funny to hear.
I’m as guilty as anyone for giving tree shapes little attention in the past, then trying to prune them into what I want. I don’t recommend it.
I hope you’re right about spring. Groundhogs have let me down before.