TREE DESIGN FOR HOME & GARDEN
For the most part, vegetable gardens should be in full sun if possible. The exceptions are salad greens, spinach and swiss chard (those will tolerate partial shade). Otherwise, keep shade trees away from vegetable areas. You can always use stakes to determine if the tree will cast a shadow that will shade the planting area or your home. With either area, you may have to relocate stakes for new tree shadows using smaller trees or large shrubs, both there and close to a patio area. If there isn’t enough space, you can always use vines such as clematis, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, or wisteria to shade the patio area.

Close to the house or near a fence in a narrow area, some trees such as fruit, grape vines, or ornamentals can be trained flat so that they don’t block a path. On the south side of a house, use deciduous trees or vines so that they shed their leaves and let the winter sun come shining in to give light and warmth. On the north side of the property or patio area, evergreen trees or shrubs can be planted to block the cold winter winds and snow. This will also prevent as much wear and tear on your home, and even lower utility bills.
Trees will do so much for your home to frame it or to create privacy. A well placed tree with an interesting shape will give a special element of design to your landscape. A contrasting color of foliage to the color of your home, or foliage that changes color at different seasons, can also create different effects.

Another consideration is planting trees that give flowers, fruits, or nuts. Pick fruit trees that you know you will use and that you feel comfortable keeping up on the care and maintenance. Right now, or at least when the temperatures are above the freezing level, you can apply dormant oil or copper sprays for peach leaf curl. It is important to follow directions carefully. You can also use the dormant spray on ornamentals, shade trees, and roses to smother out winter insects and prevent disease problems before they start. Pre-planning can stop potential problems, and are easier than having to do multiple sprays later. It is also less expensive.

Trees have many benefits such as creating shade which cools or protects your home, soak up excess water, take care of and process chemical residues, use up carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen which is energizing and gives you a feeling of well being.