Selecting, Planting, & Maintaining Trees

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Selecting Trees

The success of any tree planting project starts by selecting species that are adaptable to the growing conditions of a particular site. 

Proper selection can provide you with years of enjoyment as well as significantly increase the value of your property. An inappropriate tree for your property can be a constant maintenance problem or even a hazard. Before you buy, take advantage of the abundant references on gardening at local libraries, universities, arboretums, parks where trees are identified, native plant and gardening clubs, and nurseries. Some questions to consider in selecting a tree:

  • What purpose will this tree serve?
  • Is the species appropriate for my area?
  • How big will it get?
  • What is the average life expectancy of the tree?
  • Does have any particular ornamental value, such as leaf color or blooms?
  • Does it have any particular insect, disease, or other problems that can reduce usefulness?
  • Is the tree evergreen or deciduous?
  • What conditions does it need to grow? (e.g. soil drainage, sunlight, space, etc.)

Need more help? 

These resources can help you decide on the right trees for your space.

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Planting Trees

Proper placement of trees is critical for your enjoyment and their longterm survival. Check with local authorities about regulations pertaining to placement of trees. Some communities have ordinances restricting placement of trees within a specified distance of a street, sidewalk, streetlight, or other utilities

Shade trees provide many benefits, such as improved air quality, energy savings, increased wildlife diversity and habitat, noise reduction, higher property values, and natural beauty. However, if trees are planted improperly they can often become stressed or even die before they can start to provide such benefits.

If you're planting a tree from container garden, this video can help.

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Maintaining Trees

Utilizing proper care and maintenance techniques throughout the life of a tree can help maintain its health and vigor. A healthy plant is often better able to tolerate potential disease and insect problems. Maintenance activities should include mulching, watering, monitoring tree health, pruning, and in some cases staking and fertilizing.

For the first year or two, especially after a week or so of especially hot or dry weather, watch your trees closely for signs of moisture stress. If you see leaf wilting or hard, caked soil, water the trees well and slowly enough to allow the water to soak in.This will encourage deep root growth. Keep the area under the trees mulched.

Some species of evergreen trees may need protection against winter sun and wind.A thorough watering in the fall before the ground freezes is recommended. Spray solutions are available to help prevent drying of foliage during the winter. Fertilization is usually not needed for newly planted trees. Depending on soil and growing conditions, fertilizer may be beneficial at a later time.

Pruning, Maintenance and Care Resources

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