Selecting, Planting & Caring for Trees
Tree Selection
Tree selection is one of the most important investment decisions a homeowner makes when landscaping a new home, or replacing a tree lost to damage or disease. Most trees can outlive the people who plant them; therefore, the impact of this decision is one that can last a lifetime. Matching the tree to the site is critical. The following site and tree demands should be considered before buying and planting a tree:
Site Considerations
- Available space above and below ground
- Water availability
- Drainage
- Soil texture and pH
- Sunlight levels/exposure
- Weather and other environmental factors
Tree Considerations
- Growth rate of the species selected
- Mature size
- Form
- Hardiness ability of a plant to survive low temperatures
- Heat tolerance and drought tolerance
- Pest resistance
- Maintenance issues
- Native versus nonnative species
Selecting Trees at the Nursery
When you buy a high-quality tree correctly, plant and properly treat it. Both you and your tree will benefit for many years. When you buy a low-quality tree, you and your tree will have many costly problems, even if you take great care in planting and maintenance.
Consider the following when selecting a tree at the nursery:
- Tree should appear healthy. No discolored bark, wilted leaves, etc.
- Branches should be evenly spaced around the trunk
- Trunk should taper from a solid base, gradually becoming more slender towards the top
- Tree foliage and branches should be distributed on upper 2/3 of tree
- Tree should contain a central, dominant leader
- Tree should be free from mechanical damage
- Tree should be free from insects and diseases
- Roots should not be girdling, circling or pot-bound