Start by selecting the minimum requirements for your site; that is, your
hardiness zone, soil drainage and pH, tree size to avoid overhead
obstructions, and sunlight availability as well as one or two options of
secondary importance. For example, you might want a spreading evergreen
tree. After looking over that initial list, add more characteristics to
your tree selection to add features that are preferred, but not
essential--maybe food for wildlife or fall color.
A word about tolerances: The software does not display trees capable of
growing in flooded soil when you choose "occasionally wet" soil
drainage. Since flood tolerant trees can also grow in soil that is
occasionally wet, we recommend that you choose booth "occasionally wet"
AND "extended flooding" to display a complete list of trees that can
grow in sites that are occasionally wet.
This recommendation also applies to salt exposures and pH and drought.
High salt tolerant trees can also grow in sites that only require
moderate salt tolerance; to display a complete list of trees that can
grow in sites with moderate salt exposure, choose both "high" AND
"moderate". Trees tolerant of highly alkaline soil also grow in soil
that is slightly alkaline; to display a complete list of trees that can
grow in sites that are slightly alkaline, choose both "slightly
alkaline" AND "alkaline". Trees tolerant of high drought can also grow
in sites with
moderate drought; to display a complete list of trees that can grow in
sites with moderate drought, choose booth "high" AND "moderate".
Invasive species: The invasive potential wording found in the tree data
display applies to the State of Florida only. For the status of invasive
species in your area, please refer to the
USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center.
More on landscape tree selection: Another method of choosing a
tree for a particular site is to drive around town to find
out which species grow well in your area. This approach is
problematic; soil and site conditions at your planting site
may be different from other sites around town, it creates urban landscapes with little species diversity, and
most people donít do it. Click on site analysis in the contents to view
detailed site evaluation sheet. Answer the questions on the sheet before
choosing trees for the planting site