Selecting trees goes far beyond structure to a Certified Arborist and is one of the last things to look for when selecting a tree. To those who are structural and aesthetic purists, this is blasphemy. 

       If an Arborist does not look at structure first, what should they look at when selecting a tree?

       Olson Tree Care's 5 steps to Proper Tree Selection.

       1. Healthy Foliage and lots of it. A healthy tree is evidence by its leaves. Sparse, disfigured and discolored foliage frequents an unhealthy tree.

       2. Root bound in pot. It is unnatural to have a 12 foot tree with a 2 foot root. Leading to grotesque root structure, it is an easy fix by selecting the smallest tree available. Sliding the container off and inspecting is a must.

       3. Scratches on trunk. Thin bark is easily damaged and is thought to be easily overcome. While a tree has a greater ability to heal when young, a simple scratch can turn into necrosis in a short amount of time.

       4. Grubs and other insects in container. A small population of root eating insects will turn into a large population and when placed in the root ball it is a recipe for disaster.

       5. Trunk Flare (taper). A tree is not a post. The youngest of trees should begin to show signs. Lack of flare may mean that something nasty is being hidden below.

Structure mostly pleases people in the selection of trees........ not trees.