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[Skip to main content](https://www.arborday.org/planning-selection-location#main-content) Subaru and its participating retailers are distributing free trees across the country. [RESERVE YOUR TREE](https://www.arborday.org/subaru-directory) - [Track Your Order](https://shop.arborday.org/orders) Search Close [](https://www.arborday.org/) Main navigation - Our Work - Our Work By nurturing our vibrant network and championing science, we plant trees with intention at a global scale. 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[About the Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.arborday.org/about) - [Our Approach](https://www.arborday.org/approach) - [Perspectives](https://www.arborday.org/perspectives) - [Our Impact](https://www.arborday.org/our-impact) - [Newsroom](https://www.arborday.org/newsroom) - [Our Network](https://www.arborday.org/network) - [Careers](https://www.arborday.org/careers) - [Our Values](https://www.arborday.org/values) - [Impact Fund](https://www.arborday.org/impact-fund) - [Annual Report](https://www.arborday.org/annual-report) - [FAQs](https://www.arborday.org/faqs) - [Our Board & Executive Team](https://www.arborday.org/board-executive-team) - [Contact Us](https://www.arborday.org/contact) [About the Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.arborday.org/about) - About Trees - About Trees Planting the right trees in the right places is an effective and affordable way to take on some of today’s biggest challenges. [About Trees](https://www.arborday.org/trees) - Benefits of Trees - [The Value of Trees](https://www.arborday.org/value) - [Environmental Impact](https://www.arborday.org/environmental-impact) - [Community Impact](https://www.arborday.org/strengthening-communities) - [Biodiversity Impact](https://www.arborday.org/nurturing-biodiversity) - [The Need in Forests](https://www.arborday.org/need-in-forests) - [The Need in Communities](https://www.arborday.org/need-in-communities) - Tree Education & Care - [Planning, Selection & Location](https://www.arborday.org/planning-selection-location) - [Planting Your Tree](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree) - [Tree Care & Maintenance](https://www.arborday.org/tree-care-maintenance) - [Youth Education](https://www.arborday.org/youth-education) - Tools & Resources - [Tree Resources](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources) - [Tree Identification](https://www.arborday.org/tree-identification) - [Tree Guide](https://www.arborday.org/tree-guide) - [Hardiness Zones](https://shop.arborday.org/nursery-zones) - [Video Library](https://www.arborday.org/video-library) [About Trees](https://www.arborday.org/trees) - Shop - Shop Explore nearly 200 varieties of trees and shrubs, dedicate trees to others, and shop merch that gives back to the planet we share. [Shop All Products](https://shop.arborday.org/) [Track My Order](https://shop.arborday.org/orders) - [ Nursery](https://shop.arborday.org/nursery) - [ Dedicate a Planting](https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative) - [ Merchandise](https://shop.arborday.org/apparel) [Shop All Products](https://shop.arborday.org/) [Track My Order](https://shop.arborday.org/orders) Search - [Track Your Order](https://shop.arborday.org/orders) - [Join Us](https://shop.arborday.org/campaign/join) - [Donate](https://donate.arborday.org/-/XHSPLCAD) Back SEARCH - [Join Us](https://shop.arborday.org/campaign/join) - [Donate](https://donate.arborday.org/-/XHSPLCAD) Toggle navigation # Planning, Selection, & Location A healthy community forest begins with careful planning. With a little research and a simple layout, you can produce a landscape that will cool your home in summer and tame the winter winds. [Tree Finder](https://www.arborday.org/planning-selection-location/tree-finder) [Shop for Trees](https://shop.arborday.org/nursery) ## The Right Tree in the Right Place [Find Your Hardiness Zone](https://shop.arborday.org/nursery-zones) Your well-planned yard will contain trees that grow well in the soil and moisture of your neighborhood. Your trees will be properly placed to avoid collisions with power lines and buildings, and the aesthetics will increase your property value. A proper landscape plan takes each tree into consideration: - Height and canopy spread - Is the tree deciduous or evergreen? - Form or shape - Growth rate - Soil, sun, and moisture - Fruit - Hardiness zone  ## Tree Shape The character of tree crowns and the form or shape of trees varies among species as much as leaf shapes or bark patterns. Shape is another clue to how well a tree will fit the space you have available, what problems might occur, and how well it will help meet the goals you have for your property. [Tree Identification](https://www.arborday.org/tree-identification) [Tree Guide](https://www.arborday.org/tree-guide)  ## Tree Size Available space is probably the consideration most overlooked or misunderstood when deciding what tree to plant. Before you plant, it is important to know what the tree will look like as it nears maturity. Consider its height, crown spread, and root space. [Planting Your Tree](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree) Selecting a healthy tree ## Bare-Root Bare-root seedlings should have moist, fibrous roots. For deciduous seedlings, the roots should be roughly equal in length to the stem. [How to Plant Bare-Root Trees](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-bare-root-trees)  ## Balled & Burlapped Balled and burlapped trees should have a root ball that is firm to the touch, especially near the trunk. The root ball should also be adequately sized for the tree. [How to Plant Balled and Burlapped Trees](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-balled-burlapped-trees)  ## Containerized Container-grown trees should not have large, circling roots, and any pruned roots should be cut cleanly, with none wider than a finger. The soil and roots should be tightly joined together. [How to Plant Containerized Trees](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees)  ## Mature When purchasing a mature tree, consider a strong, well-developed leader (or leaders in a multi-leader tree) and bright, healthy bark. The trunk and limbs should be free of insect or mechanical injury. Branches should be well-distributed around the trunk and considerably smaller in caliper than the trunk. Ideal spacing between branches is at least 8–12 inches for most species. Look for good trunk taper and wide-angle crotches for strength. Low branches, though temporary, help develop taper, promote trunk caliper growth, and prevent sun damage.  ## Related Resources [View All Resources](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources) [](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-select-and-plant-tree) Bulletin ## [How to Select and Plant a Tree](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-select-and-plant-tree) This bulletin explains how to choose a tree based on space and climate, plant it correctly, and provide ongoing care for its health. Bulletin ### [The Right Tree for the Right Place](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/right-tree-right-place) This bulletin explains the benefits of planting the right trees in the right places. Bulletin ### [Saving Trees During Construction](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/saving-trees-during-construction) This bulletin explains how to save trees during construction. Bulletin ### [How to Plant Field Windbreaks](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-plant-field-windbreaks) This bulletin explains how field windbreaks enhance crop yields by up to 20% and protect against soil erosion and moisture loss. Bulletin ### [How to Plant Conservation Buffers for Streams](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-plant-conservation-buffers-streams) This bulletin explains how conservation buffers, especially riparian zones, help control floods, trap nutrients, support wildlife, and store water, while also providing recreational opportunities. ## Grow a better tomorrow Our planet needs all of us, more than ever. Join us today to plant trees that grow a more hopeful future. [Donate](https://www.arborday.org/donate) [Join](https://shop.arborday.org/campaign/join) [](https://www.arborday.org/) 211 N. 12th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 ## About Us - [Our Impact](https://www.arborday.org/our-impact) - [Our Approach](https://www.arborday.org/approach) - [Careers](https://www.arborday.org/careers) - [Contact Us](https://www.arborday.org/contact) ## Quick Links - [Network Directory](https://www.arborday.org/network-directory) - [Arbor Day Carbon](https://www.arborday.org/carbon) - [Campaigns & Past Projects](https://www.arborday.org/campaigns-projects) - [Tree Registry](https://www.arborday.org/tree-registry) - [FAQs](https://www.arborday.org/faqs) Stay Updated Subscribe to get the latest news, stories, and updates on how we can plant the greatest positive impact, together. [Subscribe](https://www.arborday.org/stay-updated) © Arbor Day Foundation 2026. All rights reserved. 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A healthy community forest begins with careful planning. With a little research and a simple layout, you can produce a landscape that will cool your home in summer and tame the winter winds. ## The Right Tree in the Right Place Your well-planned yard will contain trees that grow well in the soil and moisture of your neighborhood. Your trees will be properly placed to avoid collisions with power lines and buildings, and the aesthetics will increase your property value. A proper landscape plan takes each tree into consideration: - Height and canopy spread - Is the tree deciduous or evergreen? - Form or shape - Growth rate - Soil, sun, and moisture - Fruit - Hardiness zone  ## Tree Shape The character of tree crowns and the form or shape of trees varies among species as much as leaf shapes or bark patterns. Shape is another clue to how well a tree will fit the space you have available, what problems might occur, and how well it will help meet the goals you have for your property.  ## Tree Size Available space is probably the consideration most overlooked or misunderstood when deciding what tree to plant. Before you plant, it is important to know what the tree will look like as it nears maturity. Consider its height, crown spread, and root space. [](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-select-and-plant-tree) Bulletin [How to Select and Plant a Tree](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-select-and-plant-tree) This bulletin explains how to choose a tree based on space and climate, plant it correctly, and provide ongoing care for its health. Bulletin [How to Plant Field Windbreaks](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-plant-field-windbreaks) This bulletin explains how field windbreaks enhance crop yields by up to 20% and protect against soil erosion and moisture loss. Bulletin [How to Plant Conservation Buffers for Streams](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/how-plant-conservation-buffers-streams) This bulletin explains how conservation buffers, especially riparian zones, help control floods, trap nutrients, support wildlife, and store water, while also providing recreational opportunities.