Tree Selection 101
Nyle Zikmund, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
Choosing a tree for your landscape is a big decision, and the process can bring out an even bigger range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Perhaps there are other decision makers involved, and your tree selection needs to accommodate their requests, too. Sometimes just when you think you have determined which tree you want, you learn that there are multiple species (there are 132 species of maple, for example), and then you need to narrow down the selection even further.
The best way to start your hunt for the right tree is by analyzing the environment it will live in. Trees, like most plants, have preferences. What is the sun exposure like? What type of soil do you have, and does the soil hold moisture? For example, white oaks like lots of sun and well-drained soil. If you plant a white oak in full shade where the soil never dries out, the tree will not thrive and might not survive long-term. You also need to consider how large the tree will get at maturity. A white oak may look small in the nursery pot, but this slow grower will eventually reach 80-100 feet tall with a canopy spread of more than 50 feet.
You should also determine your tree goals. Are you planting a tree because you want to grow your own food? Perhaps you are looking for an ornamental tree to compliment a perennial border, or you need a fast-growing tree to provide shade in the next 5-10 years. A white oak would not be appropriate for any of those goals, but it would be a great selection if you are interested in planting a native species that supports our local wildlife.
Once you are armed with knowledge about your environmental factors and you are clear about your tree goals, there are many resources to help you narrow down your search. The best resources are typically those local to our area, such as the Minnesota DNR and the University of Minnesota; they have researchers and experts who are knowledgeable in all things tree related.
It is also important to understand the long-term care needs of your tree and to know its growing habits. For example, a native tree such as white oak is generally low maintenance, but it is a great supporter of wildlife because it produces acorns. If you like a tidy yard, acorns might not be something you want to clean up every year. If your goal is to grow your own fruit, you will need to learn about pruning, pests and diseases.
Selecting a tree can be a fun, educational experience if you take the time to evaluate your growing conditions and define what benefits you are seeking. A plethora of Minnesota resources are available to assist you with making your tree ‘match.’ Here are just a few: