Better Ways of Selecting Trees for Urban Plantings

Abstract

How to choose the best species and cultivars for particular planting sites is a challenging problem even for experienced arborists. Many types of information are available to guide decisions, but more specific and precise urban performance data are needed. A threefold strategy is suggested for urban tree managers: 1) exploit current knowledge more fully; 2) participate in tree testing to obtain more extensive, objective data; and 3) consider special analyses of existing plantings to fill the gap until test results became available.