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Guidance for tree selection #874471

Asked June 24, 2024, 3:20 PM EDT

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.

Oklahoma County Oklahoma

Expert Response

Is there someone else that can deal with this question. I am tied up until early next week. 
Thank you.
Tom Traxler



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 Thomas
Submitted: 06/24/2024 3:20 PM


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An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 6:32 PM EDT
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.

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The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
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
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2024, 5:51 PM EDT

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