Before I plant a tree- What should I consider?

SOIL CONDITIONS................

• Will the tree tolerate the soil drainage of the site?

• Will the tree tolerate the soil pH of the site? A soil test from Cooperative Extension can determine the acidity/alkalinity. Home test kits are also available.

• If the soil is likely to be compacted (people walk or drive on it), can the tree withstand this?

• Is the tree likely to be damaged by deicing salts? If you want to plant where this will be a problem, there are a number of trees that are tolerant of salt (live oak, red oak, blue spruce, etc.)

CLIMATE

• Is the tree reliably cold hardy in your area?

• Is your climate too warm for the tree?

• Can the tree tolerate the heat at the site (does the spot receive hot afternoon sun; is it surrounded by pavement that will reflect heat)?

• Will the tree get enough water after it is established? Is it in an area that gets sufficiently wet when it rains, or will irrigation be needed?

• Will the tree tolerate the existing sun or shade patterns?

ORNAMENTAL AND DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

• Is the tree's winter appearance appropriate for your landscape plan? (evergreen, deciduous, etc.)

• Does the tree have attractive fall color?

• Does the tree have other ornamental characteristics? flowers? bark?

• Will fruits cause maintenance problemsstaining walkways prickly to walk on, etc.?

• Do the trees have thorns? This may be undesirable in areas with children, near walkways, or on plants that need frequent pruning.

• Does the tree form accommodate nearby traffic? For example, the low-hanging branches of a pin oak can be difficult to drive or walk under.

• Does the tree fulfill its design purpose (provide the shade or form that you planned)?

  • Is the tree's mature size appropriate for the site?

  • Will the tree interfere with any overhead wires, buildings, or walkways when it is mature?

  • Will it cast unwanted shade on a vegetable garden?

  • Is the tree's form appropriate for the space available (low or pendulous branches, columnar, wide spreading, etc.)?

  MISCELLANEOUS

  • Is the tree susceptible to any diseases or insects that will cause problems? Most trees are susceptible to some pests, but these are not necessarily serious or deadly to the tree. For those that can have severe pest problems, such as crabapples, selecting a disease-resistant cultivar may solve the problem.

  • Is the tree available from a local nursery, or will they have to special order it for you?

  Remember, a tree is a long-term investment in your landscape. A mature tree in the wrong place cannot normally be moved or replaced with another mature tree. By planning carefully, you can ensure that the tree you select will provide the benefits you intend for a very long time. The time spent growing a tree to maturity, as well as the care and initial cost, are too valuable to squander by not planning properly.

  Michigan Landscaping in Oakland County Mi.

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