Specimen Trees

1. What does the Latin word specere mean? Why do you think that word applies
to specimen trees?
Specere means “to look at”. This applies to specimen trees because their entire
purpose is look pretty or add interest to a landscape.
2. Aside from size, what are some other qualities a tree could have that would
make it considered a ‘specimen’?
Not all specimen trees are big some examples of other things that can make it a
specimen tree are a unique shape, interesting bark, flowers, or even if they are
rare.
3. Why were conservatories in England first developed?
Conservatories were made in England to display palm tree specimens and to sell
and trade the other various types of trees they had collected on their travels.
4. What are the different ways a specimen tree can impact a landscape?
Specimen trees can add a sense of intimacy, age, personality, and whimsy to
gardens. They can also provide shade, separation of a design, and screening.
Specimen trees can also add a subtle focal point to a garden.
5. How do topiaries add to a landscape design?
Topiaries add a sense of structure, stability, and form to a landscape. Depending
on the shape the feeling can be different it all just depends on the vibe you want
the garden to have.
6. What is the most important part of maintaining a topiary in the garden?
The most important part of maintain topiaries is that you must prune them at
least once a year or else they become a messy looking expensive plant.
7. In an established garden, what other attributes should be considered when
selecting a specimen tree to add to the existing landscape?
It’s important to know if the tree fits in well with the rest of the landscape. It’s
also important to know the history of the area such as large structures around the
tree. Along with things like scent, fruit, flowers, and fall colours can all play a part
in your decision.
8. How can a deciduous specimen tree continue to add interest to the garden,
even after it has lost its leaves for the season?
Even in winter deciduous trees can add interest be having interesting bark, pods,
or branch formations.
9. When selecting a specimen tree, ‘horticultural appropriateness’ is extremely
important. Which considerations of those listed in the ‘Will It Thrive’ section do
you think would be the most important to someone who leads a very busy life
and has little time to maintain a landscape?
To someone with a busy life style it’s best to consider how hard is it to care for
the tree, what are it’s needs after planting, and what are it’s water demands. If
you don’t have a ton of time to care for a landscape then you probably don’t want
a tree that needs lots of maintenance.
10. Why does the tree farmer suggest hiring a contractor and an arborist to help
select specimen trees?
She suggests hiring contactors because they can use their large networks to
source the best options. She also suggests hiring an arborist because they can give
good recommendations for trees that would fit your needs.
11. What are ‘girdling roots’? Why do you think it is suggested that you do not
select trees that have girdling roots?
Girdling roots are roots that are clinging to the trunk of the tree instead of
spreading out. Trees with girdling roots aren’t good because they are limited in
reach making it harder for them to get the nutrients they need.
12. What is the price range that is paid for olive trees that are 25-130 years old?
Olive trees that are 25-130 years old usually range in price from $1,750-$5,000.
13. Did it surprise you that some of the older specimens can cost up to $35000?
Why do you think they would be so expensive?
It somewhat surprised me, but I also know they were going to be expensive. I
think they cost that much because they are huge trees that have taken many
years and lots of resources to grow that big.
14. Why does the article state that when you purchase a specimen tree, “you’re
basically purchasing time”?
The article says that because when you buy the tree your buying the years it took
to grow and the pruning and maintenance it took for the tree to get that way.
15. Why do you think it is recommended that someone visits a nursery in person
when trying to decide on a specimen tree?
I think it’s recommended to visit a nursery because then you can see possibilities
for trees you could purchase along with what your getting yourself into when
caring for these trees.
16. The connection to a specimen tree is important because…
Having a connection to a specimen tree is important because it’s a life long
commitment that you look at everyday afterwards. If you don’t truly like the tree,
then it won’t give you the same happy feeling that another one could have.