Trees are available from many sources. Catalogs offer convenience and a broad selection, but you can't see the product, and trees sent by mail are often small. Local nurseries and home and garden centers are the best places to start looking as you can see what you're buying. An important bonus: at a good nursery, professionals will be on the premises to answer your questions. Before purchasing a tree, examine the leaves, limbs and bark for insect damage or disease problems evidenced by cracks or splits. The tree's root ball should be moist, and the leaves shouldn't be drooping or yellowing. Look at the tree's form and overall shape: branches should emerge from the trunk at angles greater than 45 degrees. Pruning may help some, but the tree's basic shape will remain the same. Ask the staff whether the species you're considering has any known problems or undesirable traits and whether improved varieties of the species have been developed. Such trees may cost a little more, but they're worth it. Deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall when they enter dormancy, then grow new ones in the spring. They offer shade and colorful fall foliage. Evergreens retain their foliage year-round. To give your landscape balance and year-round interest, aim for 30 percent evergreen and 70 percent deciduous trees. The price of a tree is determined by the species or variety and its growth rate, availability and size. Most popular landscape trees range from $50 to $250. Slow-growing or rare trees often cost more. You can usually plant the tree yourself, but if it's large, you may be better off having a nursery install it. The cost of this service may be high, but a warranty usually comes with the installation. The most common mistake made in planting is poor placement of a tree. To avoid damage from falling limbs, avoid planting trees close to your house: most medium- or large-size trees should be planted at least 30' to 50' away. Also avoid planting trees near sidewalks, driveways and patios. Roots may cause cracks in paved surfaces, and trees with lots of leaves may make a mess. Don't plant trees near sewage or power lines. Place large trees so they will shade your roof and cut cooling costs in the summer; evergreens can help during winter by blocking cold winds.
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