Many homeowners start to think about planting trees as spring arrives. And why not, trees are beautiful and add character to homes and yards. However, not just any tree can go in any climate. When selecting trees, you need to determine the suitability of the tree for a particular landscape and environment. While it is common sense that a palm tree won't thrive in Alaska, it may not be as common with other varieties of trees. So, once you have a list of trees selected, read more about each plant so you have a full understanding of its needs, and whether or not your yard, climate, etc. will support the growth of such a tree.

So, to determine if your selected trees will survive in your area, consider the following factors when selecting trees:

1. Cold Hardiness:

all plants are given a listing of where they are hardy, and a plant will not grow well in a zone that is not suitable for them. So, for example, Northern Illinois is in USDA hardiness zone 5. So, if you were to plant trees in this region you would only want to plant trees listed as hardy in USDA zones 1 through 5. Only plants listed as hardy in zones 1-5 will grow well in that area. Check with a landscaper or just use a horticulture book from the library to determine the zone you are in, and the hardiness of the trees you selected.

2. Size and form:

this is important to consider for your overall landscape design. So, ask yourself the following questions:

What will the height of the tree be at maturity?

What will be the spread (width) of the plant at maturity?

Will the mature tree be in balance with the house or will it dwarf it?

Is there enough room in the landscape to allow the tree to attain its mature size without sacrificing its natural form?
Basically you want to make sure that wherever you intend to plant the trees provides sufficient space and nutrients for the trees you plant. When selecting trees this is important to consider, or you will be wasting money because if you do not plan properly your tree may die.

3. Conditions Existing at the Planting Site:

soil is a living organism of sorts, or at least there are lots of living organisms in it, and your trees need to be able to live in the soil and other conditions at the planting site. So, when selecting trees, make sure that they are suitable for the following conditions:

Soil pH (Is the soil acid or alkaline?)

Soil moisture and drainage conditions.

What existing plants will be competing with the newly planted tree or shrub?

Will they be able to coincide or will one kill out the other?

How much sun or shade does the landscape receive?

Is soil compaction a problem?

4. Maintenance Needs and Limitations of the Plant:

Does your schedule, budget, and lifestyle allow for the maintenance required by the trees you select? Ask yourself the following questions to determine how much time will be necessary for maintenance of the trees you select. Are disease or insect problems common? Is the wood strong or is it prone to storm damage?

Is the plant untidy, producing litter such as fruit, seeds or twigs? (this could be very obnoxious, especially if the item dropped by the tree is messy, such as apricots or peaches.)

Does the plant produce large quantities of seed, leading to many seedlings?

Determine what you want the tree for, ask yourself the above questions, and when selecting trees, find trees that best meet your needs, and personal lifestyle, as well as compliment your landscape design and provide adequate shade, etc.