“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — modern proverb
Let me start this post with a little confession: I, a home designer and a landscape architect, failed to plan ahead. When we moved into our house back in 2017, I was pregnant, parenting a toddler, and neck-deep in work deadlines and interior house repairs. The yard? It wasn’t exactly top of mind. And even when we did a small backyard renovation in 2019, I didn’t put in the house’s east-side shade trees.
Fast forward to now, and we’re finally wrapping up construction on our carriage house and actually turning attention to the landscape. Which is exciting — but also kind of heartbreaking. Because the trees I’m planting today? They could have been seven years old already.
Instead of tall, sheltering canopies, I’m planting 10-foot twigs.
The 10-foot sapling I recently planted in our front yard.
Why Trees Matter More Than You Think
If you’re wondering why I’m kicking myself over this, I get it. They’re just trees, right? But the truth is, trees are some of the hardest-working elements in any landscape. At our sister-company Io LandArch, we never treat them like decoration — they’re integral infrastructure.
🌞 Light
Let me paint a picture: Every morning, sunlight pours through the east windows of our historic Craftsman home. And not in a charming, golden-hour way — we’re talking high-beam spotlight levels of glare. Yes, I could close the curtains. But then I lose the beautiful woodwork and warm glow that make this house feel like home.
What I really need is a tree — thoughtfully placed to filter that light, soften the harshness, and still let the beauty shine through.
Our Craftsman house — before the most recent seedling was planted.
🌡 Climate
Our brick house works like a thermal sponge. It soaks up heat all day and radiates it right back at us through the night — not exactly ideal during Utah’s 100+ degree summers, especially without central air. The park strip trees help a little in the evenings, but what we really need is strategic shade on our west-facing roof and windows.
Trees aren’t just nice — they’re natural air conditioners. Through transpiration, they literally cool the air around them. They block wind, cut down urban heat, and create microclimates that can transform how your home feels, inside and out.
🌡 Other Benefits
Of course trees provide lots of other benefits as well including wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and improved air quality to name a few!
Don’t Wait Like I Did
Here’s the thing about trees: they don’t do their best work right away. Most grow just 6″–12″ a year. And while you can plant fast-growers like poplars or willows, they often come with trade-offs — like weak wood and short life spans.
So if you’re thinking about planting trees “someday,” consider this your wake-up call. Whether you’re in a new build, just moved into a home, or (like me) have already waited too long — there’s no better time than right now.
A tree in our backyard, when first planted (left) and after five years (right).
Afraid to Plant in the Wrong Spot? That’s What We’re Here For.
We hear this all the time: “I want trees, but I’m afraid to commit until I have the full plan figured out.” That’s fair — trees are long-term investments. But that’s exactly why it helps to have a high-level plan in place.
At Storied Builders, we go beyond the building, offering project visioning and planning services to help you understand the big picture inside and out. Whether you’re working with a blank slate or a tricky site with existing structures, we can help you place trees with confidence — considering future use areas, solar orientation, and how your landscape will evolve over time.
That way, you’re not stuck staring out your window in seven years thinking, why didn’t I plant that tree back then?
Redbud tree in front of the Larsen Victorian.
