10
Questions To Ask When Choosing A Tree
1. What do
you want the tree to do? Provide cooling shade, add beauty, color accent, hide
something, stem erosion, buffer noise, block wind?
2. Will it
conflict with any overhead wires, underground cables, sewers or basements? Look
to the sky before you plant.
3. What will
the tree look like when it is fully grown? Keep it to scale with adjacent
buildings.
4. How long
will it take to reach its full size? Some species grow faster than others.
5. What are
the physical characteristics of the tree: small, medium or large? Falling
leaves or flowers? Fall color?
6. Does the
tree grow well where I live? Don't fight Mother Nature.
7. Is it far
enough away from the house, sidewalk, neighbors, other trees? Plan ahead.
8. Will it
block any windows when it reaches full size? Do you want privacy or view?
9. How will
it fit in? Will it drop leaves into a swimming pool or shade a vegetable
garden?
10. What
kind of special care, if any, does it require? Understand your obligations up
front.