Trees in both urban and rural forests have begun changing from green to yellow, orange or red in recent weeks. The fall leaf color display makes autumn the favorite time of year for many Illinois residents.

If you are wishing that your landscape included more tree color it's not too late. The fall is a good time to plant a container grown tree, or balled and burlap tree.

When selecting a tree to add to your landscape, keep in mind that tree species differ in their ability to produce a variety of colors. Yellow leaf color is typical in tree species such as birch, elm, hackberry, hickory, sycamore and willow. The yellow is intensified to gold in species such as ash, buckeye and yellow poplar. If you want to add red to your landscape you may want to select a red or sugar maple or Illinois' state tree, the white oak.

Besides fall leaf color, there are several other considerations when selecting a tree. For example, "Do you need a tree for shade, screening of noise or wind, or wildlife food?" 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.

Don't forget about the space above the tree as well. If a tree's mature height is more than 15 feet, it should not be planted under or near overhead utility lines.

In urban areas, rooting space is often a limiting factor to tree growth. Most of a tree's roots are located in the upper 18 to 24 inches of soil, so planting trees at least 16 feet away from foundations and driveways will help prevent future problems for the tree and your home.

You may want to make a simple map of your property, showing existing utilities, buildings, trees and activity areas before purchasing a new tree. This will help you determine the amount of space you have available.

Trees that you will find available at the local nursery are usually cold hardy for central Illinois. However, if you purchase a tree in another state through a mail order or website catalog, make sure the species is suited for our plant hardiness zone.

When you have finished planning and selecting an appropriate tree, then it's time to plant. Proper planting techniques can be critical to your tree's survival.

The tree must not be planted deeper than it was originally growing in the nursery. Plant the tree to a depth that will put the top of the root crown at or very near the ground's surface. The root crown is where the main roots of the tree spread out from the trunk.

The width of the hole you prepare for your tree should be 2 to 3 times the diameter of the root ball or container. This will allow the roots free growing space to rapidly expand during the next growing season.

Finally, water the tree to the point of soil saturation at the time of planting and then insure that your tree has one inch of water weekly until the ground freezes this fall and throughout the growing season for at least two seasons.

Enjoy the last days of nature's display of colors this week by taking a walk in your woods or at your local park. If you have questions you can contact the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Unit office at 333-7672.