urban street scene with tree-lined sidewalk Suggestion: 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, 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 don’t do it. Click on site analysis in the contents to view a detailed site evaluation sheet. Answer the questions on the sheet before choosing trees for the planting site.