If the early farming settlers to Central Oregon knew then what we know now about trees, I’m sure there would have been far fewer cottonwoods, poplars and aspens, all members of the Populus genus planted. How could they ever have envisioned the invasive root systems causing damage to concrete foundations and driveways plus the degree of frustration we face trying to eliminate the saplings that seem to appear overnight?

You can always identify original farmland by the grove or line of cottonwoods and poplar trees. For nearly 1,000 miles travelers along the Oregon Trail looked to the cottonwood trees for shade and comfort. Many times I have looked at the cottonwoods on our property and wondered what their history is. This spring I will look at them in a different context.

Remember last spring when we had a stretch of unseasonably warm weather?

It felt so good to shed a layer of clothes. Trees starting breaking bud and then the cold weather and frost moved back in. Many trees suffered from bud damage; the buds started breaking and then froze. I think that may have happened to my cottonwoods as the leaf development was pretty sparse, smaller in size and fewer in quantity.

I have started to prepare mentally for the fact the trees may have to come down if I don’t see any improvement. Three research resources have come off the bookshelf: “Trees to Know in Oregon,” an Oregon State University publication; “Xeriscaping in the High Desert,” a landscaping guide published under the combined cooperative effort of the Deschutes County OSU Extension Service and local agencies; plus back issues of High Desert Gardening, a newsletter published by the Deschutes County OSU Extension Service. These three resources offer reliable information on what will grow well in our tri-county area with limited care and low moisture.

Three days of being snowbound gave me lots of time to peer out the windows and wonder what else might need attention come spring. Several shrubs look damaged from the snow load and may need replanting.

Trees are a big investment and should be chosen with care and considerations. The following are several thoughts if you anticipate tree planting this spring.

Strategically placed trees can increase energy efficiency. In summer deciduous trees shade east and west walls, keeping buildings cooler. In winter deciduous trees on the south side allow the sun to warm interior spaces. If southern walls are shaded by dense evergreen trees, there may be an increase in winter heating costs.

Trees add enhanced value to our property. Think about tree canopies eventually wide enough to provide an inviting area for sittin’ and sippin’. Consider the beauty of ornamental trees that either produce a flush of spring flowers or a colorful display of fall leaves.

Consider how tall and wide a tree will be at maturity. Where are the utility locations? The Call Before You Dig number is 800-332-2344; better to be safe than sorry you didn’t take the time to check.

A partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, the National Arbor Day Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture and the Davey Tree Expert Co. developed a program titled The Tree Benefit Calculator. The online calculator will provide an estimate of the energy savings and the added economic value of your trees.

You provide your ZIP code and from a drop-down menu select the tree species, add in a measurement or estimate of the diameter of the tree and from another drop-down menu select information about its location. Press the calculate button and before you can blink an eye, a colorful calculation will appear with interesting information.

Pick your existing favorite tree or one that is on your wish list, and check out the calculator at www.treebenefits.com.

— Reporter: douville@bendbroadband.com