By Lauren Eve | Photos by Holly Leitner
In Lake Geneva, you know spring has officially arrived when Library Park starts to come alive with the vibrant sight of the first budding trees. These welcome blooms signify that the ground has thawed, which means that homeowners can start bringing their own landscaping plans to life. While flowers and plants remain popular choices for spring landscaping, adding a flowering or ornamental tree can be a rewarding option. Although trees may require more commitment than annuals, their long-lasting beauty and benefits make them more than worth the effort. As Library Park demonstrates, with the right knowledge and steps, flowering trees can thrive in the Geneva Lake area.Sowe talked to some of the area’s planting experts to learn important tips on choosing, planting and caring for ornamental trees to enhance your property’s charm.
THRIVING IN LAKE GENEVA’S CLIMATE
When choosing an ornamental tree for your property, there are several varieties to consider. Trees will thrive best in the Geneva Lake area if they can withstand both the local summer heat and winter cold. “Crabapple trees are a great choice because they thrive in extreme cold and heat with beautiful, fragrant blooms in shades of red, pink and white,” says Pam Boyce, horticulturist and garden center designer at Breezy Hill Nursery in Salem. “Plus, they come in a wide variety of disease-resistant shapes and sizes, from miniature to full-sized, so there’s plenty to choose from.”
Boyce says another great option for homeowners are Japanese tree lilacs, which are hardy ornamental trees that can grow up to 20 feet tall, with fragrant white blooms in June and July. The Geneva Lake area is also suited to growing native serviceberry trees that offer several benefits — they bloom early in April with white flowers, then produce bird-favorite blue fruits by June and finally showcase vibrant red foliage in the fall. Another local favorite is the Eastern redbud, an iconic spring tree with reddish-purple buds and large, heart-shaped leaves that can thrive in woodlands or partial shade, making it a great option for property landscapes that lack full sun. Magnolias, often thought of as Southern trees only, also thrive in the Geneva Lake area. They can range from 10 to 30 feet tall, and feature fragrant white, pink or purple blooms from April through June.
PLANTING WITH PURPOSE
Nick Pesche, fourth-generation owner of Pesche’s Greenhouse, says that homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a flowering tree for their property. “What direction does your yard face and how much sunlight does the area receive?” he asks, suggesting that these can be important things to consider. “Some trees need full sun, while others thrive in shade. Think about how the new tree’s shade might affect existing plants and whether your yard will still flourish in 10 to 15 years [as the tree grows].” Pesche says it is also important to consider a tree’s size and distance from the house in order to prevent root or foundation issues — remember that planting a tree is a long-term commitment. Local nurseries can offer expert guidance to make sure the perfect tree selection is made for each individual property.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The best time to plant trees is when the ground has thawed enough to drain, usually by mid- to late-April, following the last hard freeze or snow. Because local nurseries only sell varieties suited to the local climate, all of the options they offer are resilient to weather fluctuations. “Trees need to be properly established before they can contribute energy to blooming,” explains Colleen Garrigan, owner of Burlington’s Northwind Perennial Farm since 1991. “If the tree is in a container, it should stay on schedule.”
While planting might not impact the timing of fruit or blooms, trees often show signs of growth shortly after being planted. Planting in the springtime helps the tree establish a strong root system before the hotter summer months. “The heat of the summer is difficult [for planting] due to temperatures, but also less natural water,” explains Garrigan. Early planting also allows the tree to benefit from the full growing season, giving it a better start in its new location.
ROOTED IN ESSENTIAL STEPS
Once the tree has been selected and the ground has thawed sufficiently, the planting process can begin. First, dig a hole no deeper than the tree’s pot and wider at the top, tapering as it goes deeper. Next, if the soil is rocky or clay-like, mix in topsoil or compost with the dirt you’ve removed. After that, place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil. It is best to use the organic soil that is already present on the property, according to Boyce, so that the tree can make a smoother transition and avoid transplant shock. Finally, pack the soil firmly around the tree to eliminate air pockets. “Spring is a great time to plant because of the abundant moisture from rainfall, which leads to better results,” explains Boyce. “But the downside is the ice-cold soil, making it a bit trickier for new plants to establish.”
Then, the experts advise patience. Avoid excessive pruning or cutting branches on trees under four years old because this allows more growth for photosynthesis. After two years, they say it is OK to remove lower branches if needed. “Dead wood may shed naturally, but it can also be carefully pruned,” says Boyce. “Always avoid cutting too close to the trunk and use clean tools to prevent damage.”
After planting, tree care is simple, with watering being the most important task. Since spring weather can quickly shift between rainy and dry spells, explains Pesche, it is essential to water your tree when there’s no rain. If it has rained at least a few inches recently, watering may not be immediately necessary.
PERFECT PLANT PAIRINGS
There are several companion plants that pair well with ornamental trees.
Lilacs, particularly the boomerang variety, rebloom in late summer, offering a burst of color in multiple seasons. To extend the blooming season of your yard, consider adding a late-blooming butterfly bush, which thrives from July to September. The rose of Sharon bush blooms from July to October and is another great choice, attracting hummingbirds with its vibrant flowers. Perennials are often the best option for long-season blooms, because they tend to bloom longer and attract more pollinators.
AVOIDING PLANTING PITFALLS
Common mistakes during the planting process can include overwatering, planting too deeply and piling mulch too high around the tree. These errors can quickly suffocate roots and prevent proper air circulation. It is also important to avoid over-fertilizing. Compost is typically a better option for newly planted trees than synthetic fertilizers. “A common mistake is to think that all trees require the same planting process,” explains Pesche. “When choosing between burlap-wrapped trees and container trees, burlap-wrapped options are typically less expensive, but heavier and can lead to more transplant shock if the hole is not dug properly.” It is recommended to follow greenhouse guidance to make sure the tree will be planted correctly and has the best chance to thrive.
Local nurseries are able to help give you the best options for your property’s unique conditions. And Boyce encourages everyone to embrace plantings that are native to the Geneva Lake area. “Always opt for native trees to support local wildlife and pollinators,” she advises. “If you choose non-native species, make sure they are non-invasive — ask your nursery for guidance on which ones to avoid.”
The biggest challenge when planting a new tree is knowing how much water it needs. Pesche recommends laying a hose at the base of the tree and letting it trickle for about an hour. This allows the tree to absorb water slowly, reducing the risk of overwatering. This method is not only effective, but also gives homeowners a more flexible approach to watering.
While the planting of ornamental trees does take some planning and patience, the sight of trees blooming in your yard is a joyful sign after a long, cold winter. Flowering trees not only enhance the beauty of your property, but also contribute to the health of the local ecosystem. With careful planning, the trees you plant today can bring joy and vibrancy to your landscape for generations to come.
