Whether you live in an older neighborhood, new subdivision or rural area, you may be considering planting a tree. Spring is the best season to plant seedling sized trees, because the summer growing season allows a strong root system to develop which equates to tree survival. Other types of nursery tree planting stock, such as container grown, also benefit from spring planting, but could also be planted in the fall. However, there are a few things to consider before you purchase your tree.

First, consider the function of the tree in your landscape. Will it be used for shade, screening of noise or wind, fall color or wildlife benefits? The amount of space you have for a tree is another very important consideration. For example, most shade tree species, such as maple, ash and oak require a spacing of 16 to 20 feet between trees, and a similar distance away from your house.

Pine and spruce planted as a windbreak require 14 – 16 foot spacing in most situations. These two groups of evergreens are shade intolerant, which means that the lower branches can die back if trees are crowded and shaded, creating holes in the lower canopy of windbreak plantings. This will cause a wind tunnel effect at the ground level, which will require corrective planting in the future.

Remember too, that unless a tree's mature height is less than 15 feet; it should not be planted under or near overhead utility lines. There are few things worse than topped trees. Save yourself from future heartaches and plan and plant accordingly. Sewer lines may also become clogged with roots if you plant a tree too close to the sewer line's location. A simple map of your property, showing existing utilities, buildings, trees and activity areas, will help you determine the amount of space you have available, so you can plan accordingly.

You should do a little research too before selecting a tree. Mulberry and black cherry fruits are great for wildlife, but these are not good choices for your landscape near patios or driveways. Hickories and sweetgum produce fruits that are not easy to walk through, so avoid planting these species near paths or sidewalks.

Finally, determine whether the tree you want to plant is hardy for your climate, and is adapted to your soil type. A tree that is native to your region of Illinois will usually be easier to establish and maintain, and is often more resistant to disease and environmental stress. In urban areas plant trees that live in wet soil habitats because urban compacted soil environments have similar oxygen conditions as wetland soils.

Correct planting techniques are just as important as the selection of an appropriate species for your site. If you are planting trees or shrubs that have been grown in a container or have a root ball covered with burlap, there are two important planting steps. First, the width of the hole you prepare for your tree should be 2 to 3 times the diameter of the root ball or container. Secondly, the tree must not be planted deeper than it was originally growing in the nursery.

When you are ready to plant, carefully remove soil at the top of the container or root ball, and look for the root collar. This will be a slightly swollen area where the stem of the tree meets the roots then, plant your tree no deeper than this point.

Finally, water the tree to the point of soil saturation at the time of planting. During the first growing season, make sure your tree has one inch of water weekly from rainfall or artificial watering. Mulching the tree will help reduce evaporation and will also keep the roots cooler and less stressed in late summer.

If you are planting bare rooted seedling trees, look for the root collar and do not plant the tree deeper than this location on the tree. If you are planting seedlings with a spade or planting bar, make sure the slit is deep enough so the root tips are not bent upwards when placed in the slit, as this often leads to the death of the tree seedling.

The University of Illinois' urban web site has a "selecting trees for your yard" section. Finally, the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Unit can be reached at 333-7672, to answer specific questions you may have about tree planting.