Tree Selection Tool

When we plant trees, they are often located in sites that are much less suitable than native forests for tree growth. Trees within developed communities are often exposed to human caused stresses such as air pollution, elevated temperatures, compacted soils, and confined spaces. Because healthy community trees are the foundation of healthy forests, proper selection of tree species and planting site is crucial. Careful planning should ensure that the “right tree” is established in the “right place”, or the plants can outgrow a site, damage roads, foundations and sidewalks, or be susceptible to diseases and insect infestations.

Our Tree Selection Tool was developed just for this purpose - to help you match trees to sites to achieve lasting shade.

Start Using the Tool

Definitions of terms used in the tool:

• Form: Indicates the natural shape of the tree. The different forms are:
• Spreading
• Columnar
• Round
• Upright oval
• Pyramidal
• Vase
• Tolerances: Indicates the species ability to withstand drought, poor drainage, alkaline soil, salt, air pollution and shade. Trees are either Intolerant, Moderate, or Tolerant
• Mature: The total height (in feet) of a typical species at maturity.
• Crown Spread: The total width (in feet) of a typical species crown at maturity.
• Soil Volume: Lists the recommended soil volume (in feet) for the species/cultivar assuming a square area that is 3 feet deep (e.g. 25’ corresponds to a volume of 25’x25’x3’). Rooting space is calculated by taking half of a trees mature crown spread.
• Planting Area: Indicates the size of an area the tree needs to accommodate its soil volume. The sizes are:
• Small, for planting sites with limited soil volume, such as narrow greenbelts and pits less than 6 feet wide. Depths should be 3 feet. Planting should not occur in less than 4 by 4 feet spaces.
• Medium, for planting sites with an intermediate amount of soil volume. Green belts greater than 6 feet wide, but still limited in the amount of below ground growing space.
• Large, for planting that are large soil volume such as parks and open space.
• Hardiness: Indicates the lowest zone rating for each species. The zones are:
• 3b -30° to -35°
• 4a -25° to -30°
• 4b -20° to -25°
• 5a -15° to -20°
• Limitations: Inidicates problems you might encounter with a specific tree planted in Vermont.
• Weak wood and/or branch structure making it susceptible to breakage during ice or snow accumulation and strong winds.
• Fruit and/or leaves can be a litter problem.
• Sensitive to insect/disease pests.
• Limited availability, making it different to locate at local nurseries.
• Prone to excessive sucker growth from roots or lower stem and may require regular pruning.
• Should be planted only during the spring.
• Features: Species and cultivars in the tool may have the following features:
• Flower: Indicates which species have notable flowers.
• Fruit: Indicates which species have notable fruits.
• Fall Foliage: Indicates which species have notable fall foliage.
• Winter Interest: Indicates which species have notable winter interest.
• Native to Vermont: Indicates which species that are inherent and original to New England.
• Under Power Lines: Indicates which species can be planted underneath power lines (less than 25 ft. in height).
• Invasive Alert: Indicates which species should be kept under cultivation & not planted in a wild environment.
• Evergreen: Indicates which species have evergreen leaves or needles.
• Wildlife: Refers to whether a tree’s fruit has wildlife value.