Answer all of these questions to find the right tree for the right place.

  • Why is the tree being planted?
  • Do you want it to provide a purpose? Provide shade, flowers, fruit or color?
  • Look at the site of where you wish to plant the tree(s). What is the size and location of the planting site?
  • Would the site support a large, medium, or small tree?
  • Are there any overhead wires or below ground utilities in the site area? Will the tree bump into anything when it is fully grown? Or are there barriers for future root growth?
  • Do you need to consider clearance for sidewalks?
  • Are there other trees in the area?
  • What type of soil conditions exist?
  • Is the soil deep, fertile and well-drained? Or is it shallow, infertile and compacted?
  • Is the site exposed to salt, salt spray, wind and/or heat?

Take into consideration…

  • Height of the tree when it is full grown.
  • Canopy spread (how wide will the tree grow?)
  • Is the tree deciduous or evergreen?
  • Deciduous- drop leaves once a year, and have beautiful fall colors.
  • Evergreen- Drop foliage twice a year.
  • Form or shape- A columnar tree will grow in a smaller space but round and v-shaped species provide the most shade.
  • Growth rate- Slow growing trees tend to live longer than fast growing trees.
  • Sun, Soil and Moisture
  • Hardiness Zones- The temperature extremes in which a tree can be expected to grow

The National Arbor Day Foundation has an illustration to show you where to plant the right tree in the right place-