We need to plan for the renewal of our urban forest if we expect future generations to reap the rich benefits of having it.

If you are in the market for a new tree for your urban yard keep these tips in mind:

• Look for a straight trunk and evenly spaced branches.
• Match the tree to the location - consider soil quality, exposure to sun, wind and amount of space available for the tree to mature.
• Consider whether you want a 'shade' tree or a flowering tree - do you want birds attracted to it? Look for a fruiting tree. (if you are parking your car under it, this would not be a good idea)
• For a cold tolerant tree look for a tree that is native to your local area
• Avoid trees that are 'root bound' -- roots that circle inside the pot. These trees take a long time to put down new roots.
• Plant in quality soil, preferably triple mix. Make the hole 3 times the size of root mass of the tree being planted.
• Stake your tree to ensure that it will grow straight in early years.
• Water thoroughly at the time of planting and keep watered after planting for the first two years -- allowing the soil to dry about 4 cm deep between watering.
•  Be patient. A shade tree or fruiting tree that will last many years in your yard will take several years to establish new roots before it will produce a lot of top growth.

Many municipalities provide incentives for tree planting and some actually will replant trees on city owned property at no charge to home owners. Go to the website of your local city or town for more information.

LEAF -- which stands for 'Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests' provides free advice on how to plant trees and ways to access discounted trees in some areas of Canada.

For more information go to www.yourleaf.org

Or go to Trees Canada www.treecanada.ca and www.markcullen.com  

Have fun!

Mark