Your well-planned yard will contain trees that grow well in the soil and moisture of your neighborhood. Your trees will be properly placed to avoid collisions with power lines and buildings, and the aesthetics will increase your property value.
A proper landscape plan takes each tree into consideration:
- Height and canopy spread
- Is the tree deciduous or evergreen?
- Form or shape
- Growth rate
- Soil, sun, and moisture
- Fruit
- Hardiness zone
Tree Shape
The character of tree crowns and the form or shape of trees varies among species as much as leaf shapes or bark patterns. Shape is another clue to how well a tree will fit the space you have available, what problems might occur, and how well it will help meet the goals you have for your property.
Tree Size
Available space is probably the consideration most overlooked or misunderstood when deciding what tree to plant. Before you plant, it is important to know what the tree will look like as it nears maturity. Consider its height, crown spread, and root space.
Bare-Root
Bare-root seedlings should have moist, fibrous roots. For deciduous seedlings, the roots should be roughly equal in length to the stem.
Balled & Burlapped
Balled and burlapped trees should have a root ball that is firm to the touch, especially near the trunk. The root ball should also be adequately sized for the tree.
Containerized
Container-grown trees should not have large, circling roots, and any pruned roots should be cut cleanly, with none wider than a finger. The soil and roots should be tightly joined together.
Mature
When purchasing a mature tree, consider a strong, well-developed leader (or leaders in a multi-leader tree) and bright, healthy bark. The trunk and limbs should be free of insect or mechanical injury. Branches should be well-distributed around the trunk and considerably smaller in caliper than the trunk. Ideal spacing between branches is at least 8–12 inches for most species. Look for good trunk taper and wide-angle crotches for strength. Low branches, though temporary, help develop taper, promote trunk caliper growth, and prevent sun damage.
Bare-root seedlings should have moist, fibrous roots. For deciduous seedlings, the roots should be roughly equal in length to the stem.
