Plan Your Plants with Our Tree Planning Guide

Before selecting a tree, decide what you want the tree to do for you. Do you want to reduce energy use by planting a shade tree near your home? Evergreen trees provide year-round shade and color.

While deciduous trees (that drop their leaves in the fall) provide shade to cool your home in the summer and allow sunlight to help lower heating costs in the winter. Plant deciduous trees on the south and/or west side of the house.

Check for Laws and Regulations

Contact our local city arborist, parks department, or public works department to see if there are ordinances or guidelines for selecting and planting trees. Invasive, exotic, or problematic species may be prohibited.

Check Overhead Space

Make sure there’s ample room for trees to reach their mature height. Look for overhead wires, both phone and electric, as well as desirable views you don’t want to block. Also consider that the tree may need pruning as it matures.

Inspect the Underground Area

Can roots develop without damaging walkways, sewers, underground power cables and facilities? Before you dig, or if you're in doubt, Dial 811 before you dig. With just one phone call, you can arrange to have a free mark-out of all underground utility lines on your property.

Check the Soil

Is it poorly drained or compacted? Do you know the pH? Some trees have specific soil requirements. Hiring an arborist to take soil samples from your yard to test for fertility, salinity, and pH.

An arborist can provide recommendations on improving poor soil conditions and help your local nursery or garden center recommend tree species that are suited to your site.

Check for Site Conditions

Some young trees need protection from wind, direct sunlight, extreme heat, or cold. Use the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to help prevent the loss of mature trees to frost and hard freezes.

The site also has tips for how mature trees can help to slow winds, block unwanted views, and help prevent soil erosion.