Thinking about planting a new tree or landscape? To properly plant trees, you should understand the characteristics of the planting sites (above and below ground growing space, soils, drainage, exposure, and light levels); the tolerances and growth characteristics of different tree species, and the benefits you want to receive from the trees.

If planted properly, your tree will be a lifetime investment that increases in value and provides numerous benefits throughout the coming years. If improperly planted, as many are these days, time and money is wasted as the tree’s health declines and it fails to get established and grow.

Before planting a new tree, do some homework and research your site’s conditions and limitations before selecting a species to plant. Once the site analysis is completed, you can select a species of tree that will thrive on that site and meet your design criteria and function for the landscape. Next you will need to find and obtain quality trees, and prepare the site for planting.

Now you are ready to plant your new tree. It might seem as easy as digging a hole and burying the roots, but there really is a lot more to it, especially if you want your tree to survive. Below are some excellent websites and downloadable publications that you should review before selecting and planting a new tree.