"How to Transform Your Landscape with Advanced Trees: A Beginner's Guide to Instant Beauty and Value"
One thing that never fails to spark a sense of envy in me is the sight of a magnificent, towering tree. Every time I visit a garden or property with massive, established trees, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of awe. There’s something truly humbling about standing beneath a tree that’s been growing for decades—sometimes even centuries. The sheer size of the trunks, the way their branches stretch so wide, and the texture of their bark tell stories of resilience, patience, and nature’s quiet artistry. It’s as if time slows down around these giants, and I can’t help but marvel at their grandeur. These trees have witnessed so much history, and the wisdom they seem to hold is nothing short of magical. It’s a reminder of the power of nature, the beauty of long-term growth, and the kind of impact that only time can create. Advanced trees not only add a sense of beauty to your garden, but the value transcends beyond monetary benefits.
In this post, we’ll explore the many advantages of planting advanced trees and why they are a worthwhile investment for homeowners and landscapers alike. Whether you're looking to create privacy, increase property value, or boost your garden’s curb appeal, advanced trees are a smart choice.
Let’s explore these ideas further below.
The Fraser Island Apple (Acronychia imperforata) is a hardy, evergreen native tree with dense, glossy foliage and small, creamy flowers, ideal for coastal gardens and often used for screening or as a habitat-supporting feature in native landscapes.
What are advanced trees?
Before we dive right in, I think its best we first establish exactly what an advanced tree is. Often when we think of designing a garden, small plants, shrubs, ground cover and flowers spring to mind. But we are forgetting the star of the show. An advanced tree is a mature, well-established specimen with a robust root system, a full canopy, and an impressive trunk, offering immediate visual impact and lasting beauty in any landscape. An advanced tree is one that has been grown in the ground or in a container/bag and is larger than a usual sapling. They tend to be at least 1.5m in heigh and have a well established root ball ready for planting. Due to their sheer size and age they create immediate impact to your garden or landscape, adding instant beauty and value!
Magnolia 'Little Gem' is a compact, evergreen tree with glossy green leaves and fragrant, creamy-white flowers, perfect for small gardens or as a feature plant in tight spaces.
The Benefits of an advanced tree- aesthetics & privacy.
Advanced trees offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any landscape. Instant aesthetic appeal is one of the immediate advantages- with an established canopy and form, they create a mature and refined look from day one. These trees can provide instant privacy and act as a natural screen, blocking out neighbours or unappealing views. Because of their size, advanced trees provide shade right away, making outdoor spaces more comfortable and reduce the heat around the home. Perhaps the most compelling benefit is the added value an advanced tree brings to a landscape or property. Increased curb appeal and creating a sense of permanence and care that is very attractive to buyers and visitors alike! Beyond the physical, large trees also provide habitat for native fauna, bugs, pollinators such as bees and other insects, enhancing the ecosystem around them.
How to choose the right advanced tree for you garden in order to transform your space.
There are some really key questions you need to ask yourself before selecting an advanced tree for your garden. I’m sure we can all honestly say we’ve been to a retail nursery and have been completely swept up in the overall splendour, only to get home and realise that we either don’t have the space for our plants or the time to plant them. Not to mention we may have got a little too excited about an ornamental pear, only to realize we don’t have the correct soil type or climate for it to thrive. By answering a few of these questions you’ll be better equipped to select the best tree for your garden. This process will also help avoid the common pitfalls like choosing a tree that might outgrow your space, or creating a maintenance headache, ensuring you focus on what best suits your circumstances! Each of these questions will touch on different aspects of tree selection for best results. Lets find out more below!
The Lilly Pilly 'Resilience' is a hardy, fast-growing Australian native shrub known for its dense foliage, attractive pink new growth, and excellent tolerance to pests, drought, and pruning. An excellent choice for hedging and privacy screens.
What is the climate of my area?
Why it matters: Different trees thrive in different climates. One of the most important factors in tree selection is to choose a tree that is well suited to your temperature, humidity , rainfall and frost levels.
For example: ‘Is my area better suited to a drought-tolerant tree like an oak, or am I best to choose a more moisture-loving tree like a Weeping Willow or Waterhousia floribunda?’
How much space do I have for the tree to grow?
Why it matters: Advanced trees are large and require plenty of space for the roots and canopy of the tree to develop and thrive, without interfering with buildings, power lines and other trees. Understanding how large your tree will get at maturity is essential to prevent it outgrowing the space!
For example: Do you have enough space for a Maple, or are you best to choose a smaller tree like a Native Gardenia?
What is the purpose for planting the tree?
Why it matters: The purpose or intent of the tree will help guide you in choosing the right tree and its placement. Is the tree being planted for shade, privacy or wildlife support? Or perhaps food production?
For example: Am I planting this tree to block out the neighbour and add privacy? Or is it to add value and a focal point to my landscape? Or maybe I’d like to plant a tree that will produce fruit.
What type of soil do I have?
Why it matters: Soil type (eg clay, loamy, shale, sandy, rocky) can have a massive impact on how a tree will survive, thrive and reach its potential. Some trees prefer to grow in acidic soils, whereas others do well in alkaline conditions. A simple soil test can provide you with the information to help make the best choice.
For example: Is my soil rich and loamy enough for a cherry blossom, or should I choose and more adaptable species like a pine?
How much sunlight does my yard get?
Why it matters: Just like soil type, different species of trees require different amounts of sunlight each day. Where some tolerate full sun, others are a little more fragile to the elements and prefer shade. Some prefer morning sun, and afternoon shade. Its important to know where you are wanting to plant the tree, and observe these conditions.
For example: Does my yard get full sun all day? Or is it partially shaded throughout the morning? Am I best to plant a sun loving tree like a lilly pilly, or a shade tolerant species like a strelitzia?
What type of maintenance am I prepared to do?
Why it matters: We are all time poor, and it is so important to understand how your tree grows, i.e. is it a rapid grower and requires regular pruning? Or is it average in growth and only needs minimal attention? Regardless of which tree you plant, understanding your our own time constraints is essential to ensure you have the time to do the required maintenance.
For example: Do I have the time to regularly trim my lilly pilly hedge, or would I prefer to have a tree that needs pruning once a year?
Will the tree work well with my current landscape design?
Why it matters: The tree should compliment the design, architecture, and overall feel of your existing landscaping. The right tree will add value to your property, not detract from it! Nothing speaks luxury like a well cared for garden.
What is my budget for the tree and installation?
Why it matters: Advanced trees often command a higher price per tree as they have been cared for meticulously in a nursery for a couple of years. Some take a lot longer than others to get big, and often cost more. Take the time to explore the cost of planting your tree. How big will it be? Can you manage it yourself, or do you need to bring in a team?
The most important…WATER!!! With a little bit of careful planning, watering can be just like clockwork. Whether you have a large complex garden or a small modest garden, a simple irrigation set up can take the headache out of keeping your garden well hydrated. Its also a great way to reduce water usage- a timer is an efficient way to control how much water your plants and trees are getting and avoid overwatering them, and essentially preventing wasting water.
Planting your tree- best tips to ensure success.
Why it matters: Its the number one most asked question by my clients. After investing in an advanced tree, understanding how to plant it is crucial for best results. To plant an advanced tree, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, gently place the tree in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring the root collar is at ground level. Water thoroughly, apply mulch around the base (keeping it away from the trunk), and stake the tree if needed for support.
Planting for success!
Always dig your hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball for best results.
Final thoughts..
Planting advanced trees in your landscape offers an array of benefits that go far beyond just enhancing curb appeal. From providing instant shade and privacy to increasing property value and contributing to the environment, mature trees are a powerful addition to any garden or yard.
Waterhousea folirbunda (Weeping lilly pilly)
The weeping lilly pilly is a graceful, evergreen tree with cascading branches and glossy foliage, often adorned with fluffy white flowers.
Whether you're looking to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, reduce energy costs, or invest in a tree that will thrive with minimal care, advanced trees are the perfect solution. With their established root systems and full canopies, they provide an instant impact that young trees simply can’t match.
So, the next time you’re considering a landscaping project, don’t underestimate the value of planting advanced trees. They are an investment that will pay dividends for years to come, bringing beauty, function, and long-term benefits to your landscape. They also add value to your property, attracting buyers, and creating a beautifully inviting space.
Want to order or get advice?
Garden design and understanding which advanced tree to buy can be a daunting experience. Scheduling a one on one appointment with me to discuss your advanced tree needs could take all the stress out of it for you! We can meet at my nursery for a tour and discussion, or we can set up a zoom.
Connect with us
Here is a link to my nursery page, and follow along on Instagram for updates as to what’s happening in the nursery and my very own garden. I share my own experiences, common pitfalls, and what works for me in our sub-tropical environment. I can also source advanced trees near me that I don’t grow myself.
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Thanks for supporting local growers and Australian natives. See you at the nursery!
Happy planting!
Amy xx
Growing your landscape, one tree at a time!
My family on our property at Gilldora, QLD
Lucy, Amy, Rory, Jimmy & Hamish Watson
