It takes some forethought to put a tree to work. Here are some things to consider:

The Right Tree for the Right Place

Choose a planting location

Consider whether a tree in the chosen location will shade your home or air conditioning unit, or serve as a buffer for winter winds. Make sure the tree will not block your view or interfere with water or sewer mains, telephone or cable wires, or gas or electric lines as it matures. 

Allow generous room for growth

Ensure that the tree will have plenty of room to grow -- both downward and outward into the ground and upward and outward into the air above. Locate a tree away from houses or other structures by at least half of its estimated mature height. For example, allow 25 feet on all sides of a tree that will grow to 50 feet. Be sure to space large trees 50 feet apart, medium trees 35 feet apart, and small trees 20 feet apart. Leave 30 feet of clearance between a medium to large shade tree and overhead utility lines.

Evaluate planting area conditions

Determine whether the chosen location receives shade, dappled shade, part shade or full sun. Evaluate soil type and moisture levels.

Select a tree that will flourish in your chosen planting spot

Soil Types

The Dallas metropolitan area has three major
types of soils:

1. Blackland Prairie - Deep, alkaline, clay-like, drains slowly.
2. Escarpment -Shallow, alkaline, rocky, drains well.
3. Sandy Loam - A mixture of sand and clay, deep, acidic,
   drains well.

Be sure to check other soil conditions that will affect the future growth and success of your trees such as low fertility, compaction and pollution contamination.

Nursery Selection

Look for the following when purchasing a tree:

• Select a tree with a straight, single leader.
  
• Avoid damaged bark and broken or damaged limbs.
  
• If the tree is dormant, scratch the bark on a twig to make sure it is moist and green inside.
  
• Make sure the root ball is moist and the roots are not exposed or circling.
  
• The root ball should be 10 inches in width for each inch in trunk diameter.
  
• The soil in the root ball should be consistent with the soil of the planting area if at all possible.

How do tree roots grow?

Some think that a tree’s roots grow like the diagram on the left. In reality, a tree’s roots spread closer to the surface like the tree on the right.

Kind of changes your preconceived ideas on how trees should be watered, fertilized and transplanted.