05/31/2026
TREE CARE & MAINTENANCE
These comprehensive tree care tips will guide you through the process of selecting, planting, and caring for the right tree for your space.
It’s important to remember that proper tree care starts when you select a tree.
And what you do to your tree in its first few years of life will affect its shape, strength, and even its lifespan. Following these steps will make sure your tree gets a good start for a healthy life.
tree-lined neighborhood homes and sidewalk.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF TREE
Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Make sure your tree will thrive — especially once fully grown — where you want to plant it.
Things to consider include:
The tree’s purpose.
Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will determine the suitability of different trees.
Planting site limitations.
What is your hardiness zone? What is the maximum height and spread for a tree in the space? What are the sun exposure and soil conditions?
RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE
Short, flowering trees don’t clash with overhead utility lines. Large deciduous trees on the southeast, southwest, and west provide cooling shade in the summer but don’t obstruct the warming winter sunlight. An evergreen windbreak to the north blocks cold winds in winter.
PROPER MULCHING
Mulch is essential for a newly planted tree, as it insulates the soil to buffer against temperature extremes, retains moisture to keep roots hydrated, suppresses weeds to prevent root competition, prevents soil compaction, and reduces the risk of lawn mower damage
