Selecting and Planting Trees

Bulletin 845

Authors

T. Davis Sydnor
Professor of Horticulture
Ohio State University

Trees are among the most valuable natural assets in the modern city. They bring nature into the urban or suburban site, enhance the environment and, if properly planted, can increase property values. However, urban and suburban locations are unnatural environments for trees where they are exposed to many detrimental factors. These include damaging extremes of water, light and wind. Soil and air temperatures are higher in urban areas. Deicing salts, used on roads to maintain the safety of urban residents, are damaging to many trees, as are aerial and soilborne pollutants.

Physical damage is also caused by many human activities. Roots may be cut to make room for utilities such as sewers, gas and water lines. The branches of those same trees may be pruned to avoid interference with overhead utilities such as cable TV, telephone and electrical lines. Trees must also be pruned to make room for car and foot traffic. Security lighting, a necessity in some urban areas, can be rendered ineffective by improper plant placement. Poorly placed and maintained trees may cause interruptions in utility service.

As the emphasis on and need for urban plantings increases, so does the need for a better understanding of the stresses trees encounter. All tree species, whether native or exotic, are being reevaluated for their ability to thrive in urban and suburban environments as street or park trees. The continued expansion of suburbs in Ohio means increased demand for trees adapted to these special environments.

Contents

• Trees Have Many Uses
• Improper Selection and Planting Causes Problems
• Selecting and Planting Trees
• Caring for Established Trees
• Recommended Trees for Ohio
• Desirable Small-Sized Trees
• Desirable Small-Sized Trees (Continued)
• Desirable Medium-Sized Trees
• Desirable Medium-Sized Trees (Continued)
• Desirable Large-Size Trees
• Desirable Large-Size Trees (Continued)

This publication is an update of a bulletin prepared by Dr. Phillip C. Kozel and Elaine K. Toth in 1974. It was printed as Environmental Series No. 6 by the Cooperative Extension Service and College of Agriculture and Home Economics of the Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It was prepared to present the results of a 10-year comprehensive evaluation in urban and suburban areas of new introductions of shade and ornamental trees for use in the North Central United States. The original research was supported by:

OARDC
Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co.
Ohio Chapter ISTC-(now ISA)
Dayton Power & Light Co.
Ohio Nurserymen's Association
Monongahela Power Co.
Ohio Edison Co.
Ohio Power Co.
Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.
Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Co.

This revision was supported by The Ohio State University, Department of Horticulture; Ohio's Investor Owned Utilities; and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, State Urban Forestry Division.

Copyright © The Ohio State University 1994