All About Trees: Selection, Buying, Planting, and First-Year Care

The right tree in the right place frames your home, boosts property value, and saves energy. Plan now, enjoy for generations.

Select the Right Tree

Visualize mature size/shape relative to house and lot. Trees ≤30′ suit small lots, patios, streetsides. 40′ trees complement one-story homes; taller trees suit two-stories and large lots. Mix deciduous (summer shade, winter sun) and evergreen (year-round screening). Diversify species to reduce pest/disease risk. Buy resistant cultivars.

Tree-Buying Guide

Three forms sold:

• Bare-root: inexpensive, mail-order, dormant, plant immediately, don't let dry.
• Container-grown: available all season, plant with root ball intact for less shock.
• Balled-and-burlapped: dug with soil ball wrapped in cloth. Buy dormant. Hire pro for trees >10–15′.

Inspection Checklist

• Healthy green leaves (if in leaf), balanced top growth, unbroken branches.
• Roots: balanced, fully formed mass; reject broken/dried roots.
• No disease, pests, stress (wilting, discolored leaves, scarred bark).
• Reputable nursery with quality guarantee.
• Consider size: young trees establish faster; larger trees give instant impact.

Choosing Where to Plant

Ensure room for maturity, no interference with utilities, traffic, lighting, parking. Avoid planting under lines; if necessary, use low-growing varieties. Space shade trees 50′ apart, 15′ from buildings/lines; add 10–20′ for soft-wooded trees. Small trees: 10′ from buildings/each other. Plant east/west of building for max shade. Group trees for shade/lawn reduction. Evergreen windbreaks: 2+ rows. Don't block winter sun.

Maintaining a New Tree

• Prune only for form improvement; flowering trees after bloom (crabapple in late winter). Remove dead/diseased anytime.
• Fertilize only if soil test indicates (2nd+ year).
• Mulch 4″ deep, wide as canopy; not on poorly drained soil.
• Wrap trunks for winter protection; remove in spring.
• Stake young/bare-root/evergreen trees with low stakes and mesh straps (no wire). Stake loosely, remove after one year.