Tree selection

[KevinS]

When you choose a tree to plant for someone you want to pick the best tree for the spot they have to work with, I'm sure most of us can agree on that.

However when you are making that decision what are the top 3-5 factors that you consider so that you can justify that that is infact the correct tree for the spot?

If you have more than 5 or a selection vetting process feel free to share that as well.

Second question, every tree has preferences for a site how many of those preferences have to be met before you consider it a good site for that tree?

 

[JD3000]

From a soil standpoint, I look at pH, lime content or inferred lime content if I dont run a carbonate or neutralization test. Alkaline tolerance is very important here.

Percolation rate, drainage, aeration. Is it urban/suburban compacted crap?

OM content.

How much vertical and canopy width room is there?

Exposure, east or west sun, winter and summer storm wind exposure.

Cold and summer heat tolerance should be a no-brainer but I occasionally see limits pushed by other installers and designers/LAs.

Deicing salt exposure?

Level of landscape maintainence and PHC. Wealthy people will pay to maintian PIA plants.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting.

Aesthetics.

 

[JD3000]

Oh yes. How much soil prep and turf removal opportunity is there? I love big beds with mixed ornamentals and mulch/compost. Lose the turf damnit.

 

[cerviarborist]

hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/powerpoints/site_evaluation.ppt