How to Buy a Tree

Buy Right and Avoid an Early Tree Removal

DIY – and Don’t Use a Tree Service

The Golden Rule of Buying a Tree

There are two things to consider when buying a tree. The first is health and the second is structure. Most problems revolving around the health of a tree are easy to spot. You can just tell a tree that isn’t healthy. Defects in the structure of a tree, on the other hand, are harder to spot. But worry not, we’re going to share with you some wisdom on how to spot structural defects in young trees and when to avoid buying one.

So, what is the Golden Rule of buying a tree? Always pick it yourself!

Here are four things you will have to decide when buying a tree. Tree species, size of the mature tree, price, and overall health and condition of the tree. Miss out on these and you’ll be calling for an earlier than planned tree removal.

Inspect the Crown of the Tree

For large maturing shade trees like oak trees and maples, it is very important to inspect for structural defects. Young shade trees with structural defects will mature into serious safety hazards when they get bigger – and heavier. Smaller ornamental trees don’t matter as much when it comes to structure but you still want to inspect them closely.

For the bigger trees, watch out for trunks that have forks low to the ground. Also look for crowded groupings of branches originating from one place on the trunk. This is a structural weakness to avoid.

Look at the branches. They are a vital part of the tree’s nutrition. You will want a tree that has an ample supply of small and medium sized branches. Watch out for big branches that originate low on the trunk – another structural weakness as the tree matures.

Inspect the Trunk of the Tree

If you have deer in your area, you’ll want to avoid trees with deer rubs from antlers or other wounds or injuries to the trunk. This can lead to cranks and premature decay. You’ll also want to avoid trees with sprouts around the base. This usually means it was planted too deep and can also be a sign of distress.

Proper pruning of a tree is very important. You will want to avoid trees that have not been pruned properly as this can lead to sun stress or scalding, frost cracking or excessive sprouting and decay. Improper pruning includes branch stubs or flush cuts.

Watch out for trees with wrapped trunks. This can hide decay. Many nurseries use cardboard shields or canvas wraps to protect them in transit. Always remove it to inspect the trunk before purchasing the tree.

Take a Close Look at the Tree Roots

For bailed and burlapped trees, you’ll want a healthy size root ball. Avoid the undersized. In this case, bigger is better.

Trees are sold by caliper (trunk diameter 6” above the ground), or height.

The American Association of Nurserymen maintains a set of standards for nurseries selling trees (see image below). Insist that the root ball meets the specifications.

For trees grown in containers, avoid large circling roots. You can inspect the roots by gently removing the container. If the tree is a bare root tree, look out for dried up roots or otherwise damaged roots.

Learn about stump grinding over here.