Did you lose a tree from one of our recent ice or snow storms? Spring is an excellent time to consider replacing that tree. But, how can you avoid or at least reduce the chance of damage or losing the tree in the next storm?

Tree selection is one of the most important investment decisions that a homeowner makes when landscaping a new home or replacing a tree lost to damage or disease. Because most trees have the potential to outlive the people who planted them, the impact of this decision is long-term.

Before deciding what tree to plant, consider:

1. Why is the tree being planted?

Do you want the tree to provide shade, fruit or seasonal color or act as a windbreak or screen? Maybe serve more than one function?

2. What is the size and location of the planting site?

• Does the space lend itself to a large, medium or small tree?
• Are there overhead or below ground wires or utilities in the vicinity?
• Do you need to consider clearance for sidewalks, patios or driveways?
• Are there other trees in the area?

3. What conditions exist?

• Is the soil deep, fertile and well drained, or is it shallow, compacted and infertile? Many local soils contain clay which is fertile but not deep or well-drained.
• How much sunlight is available?

4. What type of maintenance are you willing to provide?

Do you have time to water, fertilize and prune the newly planted tree until it is established, or will you be relying on your gardener or tree service for assistance?

Trees recommended for strength, adaptability and beauty for this area:

• Find a tree that grows well in our area

• Shade (30'–70' mature height)
  Bald cypress
  Black Tupelo
  Elm: Lacebark
  Ginkgo
  Linden: Littleleaf, Silver, American
  Honey locust: Thornless
  Maples: Sugar, Norway
  Oaks: Bur, English, Red, Sawtooth, Swamp, White, Shingle
  
  
• Medium-Sized (20'–40' mature height)
  Crabapple (disease-resistant varieties)
  Goldenraintree
  Hornbeam: American
  Maple: Hedge, Paperbark, Shantung
  Yellowwood
  
  
• Small Ornamental Trees (Under 20' mature height)
  Crabapple (disease-resistant varieties)
  Japanese Tree Lilac
  Magnolia: Star
  Maple: Amur
  Redbud and Whitebud
  Serviceberry: single-stem tree forms
  Smoketree
  
  
• Evergreen Trees (30'–70' mature height)
  Black Hills Spruce
  Eastern Red Cedar
  Limber Pine
  Norway Spruce
  White Fir
  White Pine

For more information, contact the City Forester's office at 913/327-6639.