Thinking about planting a tree or two this spring? Well, stop and think a little more about that decision. There are several considerations when selecting and planting a tree. How will the tree be used: shade, screening of noise or wind, fall color or wildlife habitat?

The amount of space you have for a tree is a very important consideration. Most shade tree species, such as maple, ash and oak require a spacing of 16 to 20 feet between trees and buildings, so that adequate space is available at the tree's maturity.

Additionally, 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, so plan and plant accordingly. Old clay tile 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.

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 some urban areas, you may want to plant trees that normally 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, look for the root collar by carefully removing a little soil at the top of the container if necessary. This will be a slightly swollen area where the stem of the tree meets the roots, and then plant your tree no deeper than this point. Don't forget to remove the burlap from the top and sides of the root ball and any string wrapped around the tree's trunk. For trees and shrubs in containers, carefully untangle and expand the roots when planting.

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. Continue to water newly planted trees and shrubs into the fall and then again during the following summer, especially during dry periods.

If you are planting bare rooted seedling trees and shrubs, follow the same planting depth guidelines. Look for the root collar and fill the prepared hole to the root collar. Seedling trees sometimes are planted using a planting bar or spade which creates a slit in the ground for the roots. If you are planting using this technique, make sure the slit is deep enough so the root tips are not bent upwards when placed in the slit. This is referred to as J-rooting, and often leads to death of the seedling. Also, take care to keep the seedling's roots moist until it is planted.

There are two University of Illinois Extension websites that can help you find information on tree selection and growing requirements. The first one, "Selecting Trees for Your Home", can be found at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/, and the Illinois Extension Forestry website is located at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/. If you have questions about tree selection and planting contact the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Unit at 333-7672.