Strong Roots: Celebrating Earth Day from Home to Garden
Every year, Earth Day reminds us of our connection to the natural world—and this year, I find myself reflecting on just how deep those roots go.
My grandfather was one of the founding arborists in the state of New Jersey. My dad is an arborist, the second generation to run our family’s tree surgery business, Shade Tree Service Co which was originally founded by my grandfather and now run by my father and brother.
You could say we have strong roots—and a good family tree.
While I’ve taken a different path professionally as an interior designer, I’ve never strayed far from the trees. In fact, my design philosophy has always been shaped by the natural world. Whether it's bringing in natural textures, choosing sustainable materials, or creating flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, I believe a home feels most alive when it’s in harmony with nature!
And what better time than Earth Day to celebrate that harmony?
When it comes to trees, it’s just like homes—location, location, location. You can plant the right tree in the wrong spot and end up with a whole list of issues down the line. So I sat down with my dad (over a drink, of course) to get his take on what makes a tree thrive—and what to watch out for.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when planting a tree?
Dad: Planting too close to the house—or to underground utilities. It’s easy to forget that a little sapling is going to become a big tree with even bigger roots. You want to give it room to grow without causing issues later. Also, people often forget about sun requirements. Some trees love full sun, others won’t cope with it. Know your site before you pick your species.
Q: So what should someone look for when choosing where to plant a tree?
Dad: Think about size at maturity, not just how it looks now. Look up and down—what’s overhead (power lines?) and underground (pipes, drains, foundations?). Think about shade—where you might want it in summer. And consider airflow and soil drainage. Wet feet are bad news for a lot of species.
Q: What advice do you have for new homeowners who’ve just bought a place with mature trees?
Dad: First—don’t rush to cut anything down. Give yourself a year to live with the garden and see how it behaves in different seasons. Then, get a professional in to assess the trees' health. Some issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Also, pruning done properly can save a tree and make it safer—it’s not all or nothing.
Q: How can trees and home design work together?
Dad: Trees can frame your home, provide privacy, cut your cooling costs, and even raise property value. But badly placed ones can do the opposite. It's worth involving both your garden designer and your tree specialist early on in the planning.
