‘Happidaze’ sweetgum on Median Strip In Johnson City, TN

‘Sango Kaku’ Japanese maple for sale at Samara Farms Nursery near Nashville, TN

First of all, there is no perfect tree, either for a street or landscape planting. However, many excellent cultivars are now available at local nurseries and retail garden centers. Select one that matches your site requirements. Site factors include: amount of sunlight daily, soil type, soil pH (acidity or alkalinity), and soil drainage.

What kind of tree do you want -shade, flowering, privacy? Will it fit size-wise into the landscape? Avoid fast growing trees like silver maples (Acer saccharinum), Siberian elms (Ulmus pumila), cottonwoods and poplars (Populus spp.), walnuts (Juglans spp.), and willows (Salix spp.) that are susceptible to storm damage and are short-lived. They may also be hosts to insect and diseases and drop messy fruits or seeds. Does the site have height limitations (look up for power lines) and enough for root growth. Are roots shallow such as maples, some oak species, or elms which may uplift sidewalks in a few years.

A good shade or street tree is a long-term investment. Start by purchasing a high-quality plant. Trees 8 to 10 feet tall, either balled and burlapped (B&B) or growing in containers, are usually the best buy. Species that are difficult to transplant may be more easily to establish if you start with a smaller size. The tree may even come with a guarantee with free replacement.

Where to find good reliable information regarding the best tree to plant? Check at your local Extension office or land grant university. They will usually list the most reliable tree for your region. Many independent garden centers stock these recommended cultivars. Additionally, search for plant sales at a local botanical garden and arboretum.

Trees are listed in three size groups according their size. Large trees reach a mature height greater than 60 feet. Medium-sized trees grow to 30 and 60 feet. Small trees (less than 30 feet tall) may be also classified as flowering or ornamental trees such as crape myrtles, redbuds, crabapples, dogwoods (Cornus spp.), and Japanese maples; over the years they mature into a handsome small shade tree.