Buying the Right Tree by Greg Levine

Many choose a tree based on its physical characteristics such as flower (color, blooming time, and fragrance), evergreen/ deciduous, size, fall color, fruit/ wildlife habitat value, growth speed, and native/exotic without considering the environmental factors. Instead the first step should be to match the environmental factors with the physiological needs of the tree. Environmental factors to consider are soil type, light level, directional exposure, urban/residential, and soil moisture.

photographed by Ed Kujawski

A Carolina Silverbell or sugar maple might be the exact tree you want, but if you plant it in a flood plain where the moisture in the soil is relatively high, it might be better to consider a similar sized tree more tolerant to moisture, such as a Paw Paw.

You are now more knowledgeable than John Bartram himself. Selecting a tree can now be fun, easy , and successful. It is best to buy in Fall or winter from a reputable vendor, although the best selection can often be found in the spring. Select a tree with no major scars on the trunk, insect free and a good branching structure (central leader with horizontal branching).

Container grown trees transplant easier than balled and burlaped. Avoid buying trees that are excessively root-bound or have circling roots that may choke the trunk.

Balled and burlaped trees should be dug in the winter and or fall. The trees should have a tight root ball and the trunk should not be loose in the ball. The original soil line to the buttress of the trunk or basal trunk flare should remain the same after digging the tree. i.e. soil should not bury the trunk look for the buttress (the widening out of the trunk connecting into the root collar). Roots should be clean cut and not crushed. The ball should be 12" wide for every inch of diameter of the tree's trunk, 6 " above the trunk flare. Wire baskets should not be cut until the tree is placed in the whole. It is not necessary to completely remove the baskets, minimal disturbance to the root ball is best.

Happy buying!! More info on planting a tree.