Tree selection for urban and suburban landscapes

Trees grow well only when matched to site conditions. This requires a site visit. Trees able to grow on site can then be chosen. Inclusion of ornamental traits like crown shape, flower color, etc. can then narrow the list to a reasonable number of trees to select for planting. Site conditions can be so harsh that no trees are suited for planting without substantial site modifications.

There are five components to choosing trees for a planting site. Begin by evaluating 1) site attributes above and below ground, 2) potential site modifications and 3) tree maintenance (management) capabilities. Then 4) choose desirable tree attributes, and 5) select appropriate trees for the site. It is a process that many people do not undertake. See the site evaluation form that can serve to guide you through the evaluation process.

Site evaluation | Tree selection software | Software offline | Tree fact sheets
Uncommon zone 7-9 | Uncommon zone 9-11 | Invasive plants | Native plants

New fact sheet: Site evaluation and species selection