DIY Tree Planting Part 2: Choose a healthy specimen

When selecting a tree at the nursery, examine the following:

• foliage - appropriate color, amount, and living (pliable, not wilted or overly dry)
• trunk - straight without scrapes, contusions, decay, or former injuries
• canopy - balanced on all sides, well-spaced branches, central leader
• pests - none visible, no signs of burrowing insects
• root flare - visible and not buried under soil
• roots - no circling, girdling, or surfaced roots

For more information see:

https://www.arborday.org/video/ask-arborist-how-do-i-choose-nursery-tree

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/EP313.pdf

– posted 1/18/2025