SELECTING THE RIGHT TREE

Selecting the Right Tree

Summertime brings hot weather. It is the time of year when we
appreciate the shade of a big, beautiful tree. Trees provide other
benefits, too. They can block the wind, help clean the air, provide
fruit and nuts, and create a hospitable habitat for wildlife. And,
trees make a great hideaway where children can play. Once you decide to
add a tree to your backyard, do you know how to select the right
tree—one that will live a long time?

When looking for that perfect tree for your yard, pick one with good
form. Most trees should have one main leader (trunk) and a balanced
number of side branches. They should look healthy and free from insect
damage--and show evidence of growth. Be sure to get your tree from a
reputable nursery that has inspected and certified stock. Select a tree
grown in your area because trees raised under local growing conditions
are more likely to thrive in your yard.

Container grown trees spend at least part of their life in a pot. These
trees transplant well from early spring into fall. Be sure the tree is
not simply potted bare rootstock. The root mass will come out of the
pot intact if it is a container-grown tree. There should be plenty of
feeder roots--those thin, hair-like roots--but not so many roots that
the tree has become pot-bound. Also, check the roots for damage. Rodent
damage is easy to spot—you will see evidence of chewing and, possibly,
tunnels or holes. Avoid any tree with a rotten odor coming from the
root area—it probably is suffering from disease.

Balled and burlapped trees usually transplant well. The tree’s root
system is contained within the ball of soil; the soil remains firm
around the root system to minimize transplant shock. You do not want a
tree that has been allowed to dry out. Make sure your tree’s root ball
is kept moist prior to planting.

Bare root trees are usually extremely small plants. Most of these trees
are best planted in winter if the ground is not frozen or in early
spring before the leaves come out. The roots are exposed, so the trees
must be stored in a cool, humid place, and the roots kept covered with
a moist material until planting time.

Knowing what to look for when tree shopping will help you select the
right tree. A healthy tree will last a long time and provide many
backyard benefits.