
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 4, 1995                   TAG: 9510040037
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: JOE HUNNINGS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

A FEW TIPS ON CHOOSING THE IDEAL TREE

With the bright colors of autumn leaves, the enjoyment trees bring is fresh in our minds. However, the benefits of trees are not limited to fall color. In addition to their many aesthetic benefits, trees cool the air and our homes in the summer, increase property values, help reduce airborne dust and other particulate pollutants, and have even been shown to reduce stress. Of course, just the thought of summer shade is enough to make most of us consider adding another tree to our yard.

This is an excellent time to think about what tree you would like to plant. For many species, spring is the best time to plant, and that is also when the most trees are available at the nursery. That is precisely why right now is such a good time to make your tree-planting plans: you'll have plenty of time to make a good tree choice this fall and winter, rather than picking out a tree on an impulse the first sunny weekend in March.

Where to start? Usually, we start planning a tree purchase from one of two perspectives: the plant or the place. "I just have to have a fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), where can I put it?'' or "It's so hot in our back yard, we just have to have a big shade tree right here! What kind should I plant?''

Either of these approaches works well. In the first case, you will need to find out all you can about the type of soil the tree needs, the ultimate size, growth habit, and other characteristics of the fringe tree before you can choose the best place. Secondly, you will need to find out the soil conditions, nearness to walkways, and other characteristics of the spot you have in mind, then look around for some appropriate trees.

In either situation, you will need to seek out information about potential trees. Extension offices, arboreta and botanical gardens, knowledgeable nursery people, and reference books are all good places to check for detailed information on trees, including where or if certain species are available. Simply observing what trees do well in your neighborhood is also a good way to see what trees might be appropriate for your landscape.

There are many features to think about before making your decision, so the following checklist can help you remember them all. There are no perfect trees, so don't be discouraged if you can't find a tree that meets all of your needs. For any tree and planting spot under consideration, ask yourself the following questions to help you decide if it is the right planting plan for your landscape:

What are the soil conditions? Will the tree tolerate the soil drainage of the site? Will the tree tolerate the soil pH of the site? A soil test from Cooperative Extension can determine the acidity/alkalinity. Home test kits are also available. If the soil is likely to be compacted (people walk or drive on it), can the tree withstand this? Is the tree likely to be damaged by deicing salts? If you want to plant where this will be a problem, there are a number of trees that are tolerant of salt (live oak, red oak, white ash, blue spruce, etc.).

What is the climate? Is the tree reliably cold-hardy in your area? Is your climate too warm for the tree? Can the tree tolerate the heat at the site (does the spot receive hot afternoon sun; is it surrounded by pavement that will reflect heat)? Will the tree get enough water after it is established? Is it in an area that gets sufficiently wet when it rains, or will irrigation be needed? Will the tree tolerate the existing sun or shade patterns?

What ornamental designs and characteristics are needed? Is the tree's winter appearance appropriate for your landscape plan (evergreen, deciduous, etc.)? Does the tree have attractive fall color? Does the tree have other ornamental characteristics? Flowers? Bark? Will fruits cause maintenance problems (staining walkways, prickly to walk on, etc.)? Does the tree have thorns? This may be undesirable in areas with children, near walkways, or on plants that need frequent pruning. Does the tree form accommodate nearby traffic? For example, the low-hanging branches of a pin oak can be difficult to drive or walk under. Does the tree fulfill its design purpose (provide the shade or form that you planned)? Is the tree's mature size appropriate for the site? Will the tree interfere with any overhead wires, buildings, or walkways when it is mature? Will it cast unwanted shade on a vegetable garden? Is the tree's form appropriate for the space available (low or pendulous branches, columnar, wide spreading, etc.)?

Other things to consider: is the tree susceptible to any diseases or insects that will cause problems? Most trees are susceptible to some pests, but these are not necessarily serious or deadly to the tree. For those that can have severe pest problems, such as crabapples, selecting a disease-resistant cultivar may solve the problem.

Is the tree available from a local nursery, or will they have to special-order it for you?

Remember, a tree is a long-term investment in your landscape. A mature tree in the wrong place cannot normally be moved or replaced with another mature tree. By planning carefully, you can ensure that the tree you select will provide the benefits you intend for a long time. The time spent growing a tree to maturity, as well as the care and initial cost, are too valuable to squander by not planning properly.

by CNB