When community trees are planted, they are often located in sites that are much less suitable for tree growth than in native forests. Trees within developed communities are often exposed to human-induced stresses such as air pollution, elevated temperatures, compacted soils, and confined spaces. Because healthy community trees are the foundation of healthy urban forests, proper selection of tree species and planting sites is crucial. Careful planning ensures that the “right tree” is established in the “right place", reducing the risk of plants outgrowing a site, damaging roads, foundations or sidewalks, or trees' susceptibility to diseases and insect infestations. The following resources will help assess your site and develop tree friendly designs.
Site Assessments
Right Tree, Right Place provides questions to take into consideration when choosing a tree species and planting site.
