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Tree-Selection-Checklist

Tree Selection Checklist 

The checklist below represents most of the considerations that need to be taken into account when selecting a tree for a particular location. You may have other considerations (for example, by-laws that you must comply with, economic restrictions, or stakeholder preferences) that will influence tree selection for any given situation. However, by considering the items below there is considerably less chance for design failure due to poor species selection. The background information required for making tree selection decisions can be extensive. 

Soil Conditions at Exact Planting Location 

  • Does the tree tolerate the soil drainage of the site? 
  • Does the tree tolerate the soil pH? 
  • If the soil is compacted (or will be in the future, say by pedestrian traffic) will health/growth be unacceptably impaired? 
  • Is the tree susceptible to damage by deicing salt (consider sources from runoff and plowed snow and species tolerances)? 
  • Is there enough soil volume to support this type of tree? 
  • When the tree matures, are there adequate "escape zones" for roots? 
  • Can the tree tolerate any unusual drainage characteristics of the site? e.g., receiving excessive water or insufficient water because of surface drainage patterns. 

Climate and Microclimate 

  • Is the tree reliably cold hardy (match hardiness zones and species/cv.)? 
  • Does the tree tolerate the climate conditions that are predicted for 60 years in the future? 
  • Can the tree tolerate the heat at the site or in the region? 
  • Will the tree get enough water after it is established? Consider species requirements, climate, and site. 
  • Does the tree tolerate the site's sun or shade patterns? 
  • Are there any microclimates that might affect blooming etc. or create unexpected warm or cold conditions? 
  • Are there any streetlights that might disrupt dormancy? Is the species susceptible to this? 

Maintenance and Transplanting Concerns 

  • Is the plant susceptible to any diseases or insects that will cause serious problems (either for the tree or for people) if not treated? 
  •  Will the tree require extensive structural pruning when young? If so, do you have resources to insure this pruning takes place? 
  • Is the tree weedy or invasive? Are there nearby open areas that might be affected? 
  • Will fruits or leaves cause maintenance problems (tracking into buildings, damaging cars or paint, slippery sidewalks, attract hornets)? If so, can you handle these issues? 
  • Does the tree have thorns or spines or is it toxic to humans or animals? (Especially important in areas with children, livestock, near walkways, or on plants that need frequent pruning.)  __  Is the tree available in the nursery trade? If not, how will you source it? 
  • Does the tree transplant readily? If not, can you make appropriate adjustments? 
  • Does the tree tend to produce root suckers? Can these be maintained, avoided, or tolerated? 
  • Does the tree produce excessive allergens (pollen, for example)? 
  • Does the tree produce allelopathic compounds? If so, are any susceptible plantings nearby? 

Ecological Functions and Interactions 

  • Does the tree appropriately further your goals for species diversity in the community? 
  • Does the tree provide food for wildlife or habitat? How does this fit in with your goals? 
  • Are there opportunities to plant rare or unusual species at this site? If yes, should they be considered instead? 
  • If the plant is non-native, is it likely that propagules will be transmitted to nearby "wild" areas? Is this a concern? 
  • Have you screened the plant for invasiveness potential? 

Aesthetics & Culture 

  • Does the tree align with community preferences or cultural needs or values? 
  • Does the tree have cultural significance or use (food source, for example) that might affect its interactions with people? 
  • Is the tree's winter appearance appropriate in terms of function and aesthetics? (evergreen, deciduous, bark, etc.) Consider screening, solar gain in buildings, etc. 
  • Does the tree have attractive fall color? 
  • Does the plant have other especially ornamental characteristics? flowers? bark? Will they show to advantage in this site? 
  • Does the plant serve as a backdrop for other plantings? (e.g., evergreen trees behind flowering tree). 
  • Is uniformity with neighboring trees important? (consider a cultivar if it is) 

Tree Size and Form 

  • Is the tree's mature size (height & spread) appropriate for the site? (think at least 60 years ahead)
  • Is the tree's form appropriate? (e.g., low or pendulous branches, columnar, wide spreading) 
  • Does the tree form accommodate nearby pedestrian and vehicular traffic (can clearances be maintained)? 
  • Does the plant fulfill its intended form-related or structural functions (shading parking lot or street, screening, can be viewed from a window, etc..)? You must know function to consider this. 
  • Does the tree create exceptionally dense shade? If so, does this fit with other site features or design intent? 
  • When the tree matures, will it adversely impact other plants in the vicinity? Is this acceptable? 

Overall Considerations 

  • Are there many other sites where this tree could be planted? If yes, is there a "higher" use for this site? 
  • Is the cultivar you selected critical for any of the issues examined above? Or can substitutions be allowed? Would a seedling be useful or appropriate in this situation? 
  • Are there special goals or functions that the tree will be expected to provide that relate to species selection and aren't covered above? 

 

Other 

There are many other considerations that may be relevant to your situation. You may wish to add your own here: