When selecting
trees for planting, many important aspects need to be taken into consideration. The long term commitment of installing a tree
warrants pre-planting planning including:
• Soil and Other Conditions
All trees have a range of soil pH, soil drainage,
temperature, and sunlight that they will grow in. Do not try to force a tree into a spot with unfavorable conditions. Poor
vigor and growth will make for a poor landscape specimen.
• Size
Give the tree room to grow. You do not want to
have to invest the time and expense to have the tree hacked to fit the site or stay out of the power lines. Likewise, consider
the rooting space available to the tree. Roots are extremely important to the tree's health and its ability to remain
upright.
• Function
What do you want the tree to do in your yard - shade, screen, frame, flower? Do you need
a large tree? Evergreeen? Flowering ornamental?
• Tree Species
Do your homework. There are dozens of trees to choose from for
planting in the landscape. Talk to a qualified nursery or landscaping company. Please remember that planting a variety of
tree species is the key to preventing future pests that devastate the urban forest. Ash trees were planted in large numbers
to replace the American Elms lost from Dutch Elm Disease. Let's not repeat this mistake again!
