Planting a tree is one of the best actions you can take to enhance your property value.  Whether your motives are based on shade production, aesthetics, energy conservation, privacy or fruit production, the benefits of trees are many.  With so many species commonly available, it is possible to find a tree that suits your unique environment.   

Think of the tree you choose as an investment.  With the best initial choice, followed by proper individualized care and maintenance, you will receive a great return.  It all begins with the choice – each tree has specific needs regarding soil quality, hours of sunlight, irrigation and fertilization.  You also must determine how much time you wish to spend on maintenance – some trees require annual pruning, are messy, are prone to insect infestation or have invasive roots.  Look around the planting site and note things such as overhead wires and distance to driveways, sidewalks and foundations.  Don't forget about underground utilities, septic tanks and irrigation systems – it's much easier to spend a little time planning than to spend a lot of time and money cleaning up a disaster.  Once you are clear on your site limitations, you can start with your selecting.  Write a list of the qualities you desire and things you would like to avoid, then take this list to your local nursery or even better, hire an arborist to guarantee that your choice will be an appropriate one.

Once you have selected your tree species, you must now select your specimen.  Feel free to fully analyze the trees at the nursery; take your time and don't be convinced to buy a tree that you have not personally inspected or does not come with a guarantee.  Trees are available bareroot, balled and burlaped, or in a container.  Most people focus merely on the above-ground portion of a tree, but in fact, it is the part you cannot see that will make the biggest difference initially.  A well-developed root system will result in a healthier, faster-growing tree that experiences less transplant shock.  Remove the tree from its container and look for roots that are moist and fibrous; stay away from black or mushy roots that indicate the presence of rot.  Avoid large, girdling roots (these are roots that grow around the pot in a circle) because they will enventually strangle the tree and you will lose your investment. 
           
Once you have found a healthy root system, then focus on the tree itself.  It should not be overly large in comparison to the root system; in fact, it is often better to buy the smaller tree.  Trees with a smaller diameter trunk will experience less transplant shock then their larger companions and a few years after planting, you will find that their size equals that of a larger one planted at the same time; it's also cheaper to buy the smaller tree.  Look for symmetrical trees with a strong central leader that has not been topped (fruit trees are an exception).  You want evenly spaced branches with crotches that form an angle of 45 degrees or more.  Avoid branches that are directly on top of one another, have tight crotches or are similar in size to the central leader – these are all negative attributes that will be hard to correct as the tree develops.

Next, examine the trunk; the bark should be fully intact and firm.  Look out for nursery stakes that have been attached directly to the trunk; they will often rub away the bark underneath, exposing the cambium layer and weakening the tree.  The trunk flare (point where it enters the soil) should be slightly larger then the rest of the trunk, resulting in good trunk taper.

Now examine the foliage and twigs, searching for signs of insect infestation, disease, fungal infection, chemical burn, sunburn or mechanical damage.  Once you have found your new, healthy, structurally sound tree, make sure you do not abuse it on the trip home.  Protect the tree from wind while transporting as well as mechanical damage while loading and unloading.  Keep the root ball moist until planting day, remembering that this small area dries out fast and drought stress will cancel out all your careful planning.

Remember, the healthier your initial selection is, the greater your return will be – it always pays to get the best!  If you would like more information on tree selection or would like to learn the next steps of planting and maintenance, please contact the Master Gardener office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at 621-5512 or come into the office to talk to us.  We are located in the Ag Extension Office at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville and welcome questions on any home gardening topic.