Whether you’re building a new home or business or sprucing up your existing yard, a strategically placed tree or shrub can provide energy savings, environmental protection, and beauty all at the same time.  But be aware—planting or transplanting requires more caution and care than just throwing a seed or seedling in the ground and sprinkling a little water.  Prior to putting your green thumb to work, consider the following tips and precautions in order to make your gift to the environment a successful and purposeful one.

• Consider the type of tree you’re planting.  Although the height of your seedling is deceiving, it’s important to remember that your tree will grow.  What is the average height of that type of tree?  What type of foliage will it have, and in relation, what type of shadow will it cast?  Do you want your tree to stay green year-round?  The variety of trees available to customers is vast, and with a little research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect tree to fit your needs.  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is a great resource for researching trees native to Wisconsin and discovering all of the planting options that are available.
• It is of utmost importance to survey the area around your planting site.  When my tree grows, are there structures or other obstacles that will be in its way?  An especially important survey to make is the proximity of overhead power lines to your tree.  The Tree Planting Guidelines (Wisconsin Public Service Corporation) webpage, dedicated to educating customers on smart tree planting, provides detailed information as to the required clearance between trees and power lines.  If this detail is not taken seriously, you will eventually be interrupted with unexpected tree trimming costs.
• Strategically placed trees can provide you, as an electric customer, with effortless energy savings year-round.
• Summer: To shade your house from early-to-mid morning sun, plant your tree in the East-Southeast section of your yard.  For protection from the harsh heat of the afternoon sun, your tree should root itself somewhere in the Southwest direction of your home. 
• Winter: A deciduous tree can help out your heating bill in the winter months by allowing the warmth of the sun’s rays to help heat your home.  Trees also act as windbreaks to shelter your home. The combination of the two can make an obvious dent in your winter heating costs.  
• Call before you dig!  You may think you know where your pipes for gas, electricity, phone, and water are located, but it’s dangerous to go off of this instinct.  Calling Digger’s Hotline is as easy as dialing 8-1-1, and those three digits could potentially be a lifesaver.
• Are you planting the tree yourself?  If so, visit Tree Planting Guidelines (Wisconsin Public Service Corporation) to brush up on important planting tips to ensure a successful, healthy planting.

Trees and shrubbery are essential suppliers to the health of our environmental surroundings.  Don’t wait until Arbor Day or Earth Day to find reason to plant a tree.  The health of our environment and your quality of life is important everyday, and this should be reason enough.  Do your crucial research first, then grab your shovel and put on your gardening gloves and make your own mark on the landscape and environmental health of Central Wisconsin.