In this busy society, most of us never stop to ponder the real value of the trees in our lives.  Of course, we all know that trees provide cool shade in the summer and slow the cold winds in the winter.  We know that they are homes for a variety of wildlife, and that they help purify the air we breathe.  But most of us don't give trees much in the way of thought beyond that. What a shame!  I could do a whole section on amazing tree facts (and probably will at some point), but the main point here is to provide information on tree care and identification so we can make the most of the trees in our landscapes.  Anyone who has ever enjoyed a walk in the woods knows that there is a deep, almost mystical connection between us and the trees that goes back to the beginnings of mankind.

Most of us inherited a mature tree or two when we bought our houses, but in most cases, there is room for more.  When considering adding a tree to the landscape, it pays to ask yourself exactly why you want to do that.  Many people buy deciduous trees to plant on the southern side of the house to provide cool shade in summer, but let the warmth of the sun in during the winter.  Some want a flowering tree that they can see from a second story bedroom window.  Maybe you want to line a driveway with ornamental trees or provide a shaded path to a swimming pool.  There is a bewildering array of options, and it behooves you  to think it through before running out to the garden store. 

Questions to ask yourself include:

- How big a tree do you want (at maturity)?
- Do you want spring color, fall foliage, flowers, texture?
- Do you want an evergreen or a tree that loses its leaves?
- Do you want a windbreak or thick screen that will block a view?
- Do you want a fruit or nut tree that will provide food?
- What shape do you want?  Rounded, weeping, cone-shaped?
- Are you planting a remembrance tree that you want future generations to enjoy?
- Do you need a fast-growing tree or are  you willing to wait possibly years?

Once you have picked out your tree, double check that you have chosen an appropriate spot for it.  That innocent-looking River Birch is eventually going to grow to 60 feet, and may interfere with nearby utility lines or underground pipes.  Trees on the east and west sides of the house provide the best shade, and as noted above, deciduous trees on the south side of the house provide benefit in both summer and winter.   Trees that top out at about 40 feet are proportionate to one story houses, with smaller trees suitable for street plantings or patios.  Make sure the tree you choose will stand up to weather in your area lest you find yourself picking up debris after every storm.  Also, if you are placing the tree in a high traffic area, beware of trees with smelly fruits like the female Ginkgo, or prickly seedpods such as with the Sweet Gum.

Enough said!  The links at the top left contain tree profiles I have already completed, and there's more in the works!  Hopefully your tree adventure will be a successful one!

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