It is important to select the right tree for the right location, including future growth. The mature height and spread should be considered as well as the growth rate. All too often, trees have to be removed because they were planted in the wrong place and outgrew that space.

After identifying a proper location, other considerations before planting a tree include hardiness, moisture requirements, ornamental qualities (such as flowering, bark texture and foliage), potential insect problems and susceptibility to disease.

Picking out a tree in a nursery can be difficult. Here are a few items to consider:

Tree stem does not wiggle in the root ball and there are no cracks in the root ball indicating past movement.

A root flare is visible and a major root is located within the top 2 inches of the root ball.

Good structure. Most trees should have a strong central leader. Avoid trees with a lot of rubbing and crossing branches.

Always select trees at a local garden center or nursery, and ask about the warranty policy. Many nurseries will extend their warranty if they plant the tree. This is often a good option, especially for larger trees.

Ask whether the tree was locally grown or grown in a similar climate. For instance, a tree grown in Idaho or Oregon may be perfectly hardy in Denver, but one grown in Georgia or Tennessee may have cold-hardiness problems.

Trees trucked in from distant states with vastly different climates from Denver's can experience problems when planted. Thebig-box stores and discount nurseries commonly have plants that have been trucked in from these distant regions. Notwithstanding the climatic conditions, a long truck ride can stress a tree because of wind, heat, cold and lack of water during transport. Plants that c
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