Tips for Choosing a Healthy Tree

Purchasing an ornamental tree for the garden or landscape is a long-term investment. It's important to start with a healthy and shapely tree. Always give the tree an overall inspection to determine if the tree has been cared for properly by the grower and seller. Starting with a healthy tree will improve its chances for survival after being planted. Many retail outlets and even nurseries sell inferior quality trees at the price of quality specimens.

It's best to buy from a nursery that is knowledgeable about what they sale. A reputable company selling healthy trees will offer a guarantee on their plant material as well. Just don't forget to save the receipt. Many companies will offer a guarantee for one full year, but if that receipt is not available a year later, it's useless. Write on the back of the receipt exactly what type of plant was purchased. Keep the receipts in an envelope and file them together. It often helps to keep the informational plant tag if available and file that with the receipt as well.

Inspect the Leaves

The overall appearance of the tree is the first indication if the tree is healthy. The leaves should be healthy, bright and the appropriate color for the season. Inspect the leaves for insects and signs of disease. Many insects reside on the underside of the leaves, so always check there.

The leaves should not be yellowing and dropping when it's not autumn. That's a sign the tree is under some type of stress. It could be a sign of disease, crowded pot-bound roots or improper water requirements. Regardless of what has caused the problem, the tree is unhealthy and may not live through the transplant. If a tree doesn't look healthy, it probably isn't and won't be a good investment.

Inspect the Trunk