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Arborday.org Tree Guide

Tree Guide

Your source for accurate tree information.

Key to our Categories

Mature Height means the average height of the species when it reaches maturity.

  • Under 24 Feet - ideal for planting near overhead utility lines because it matures below the pruning zone. Plant at least 8-10' from one-story building.
  • 25-49 Feet - should be planted at least 20 feet away from overhead utility lines. Plant at least 15' from one-story building.
  • 50-75 Feet - should be planted at least 50 feet away from overhead utility lines Plant at least 15' from one-story building.
  • Over 75 Feet - should be planted at least 50 feet away from overhead utility lines. Plant at least 20' from one-story building.

Mature Spread means the average width the species might achieve when it reaches maturity.

  • Small - ideal for narrow spaces
  • Medium - denotes an average spread
  • Wide - requires significant space

Sun refers to the sun/shade requirements best suited to the species.

  • Full Sun - shade intolerant
  • Partial Shade - intermediate shade tolerance
  • Full Shade - shade tolerant

Soil means the type(s) of soil best suited for optimum growth of the species. Kits and instruments are available from garden stores or forestry suppliers that allow you to determine the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of your soil. Complete soil analysis including pH and the presence or absence of nutrients in your soil can be done for a small fee by commercial laboratories, your state agriculture university, or a local arborist.

  • Acidic - low pH
  • Alkaline - high pH
  • Clay - smaller soil particles with wafer-like shapes, higher ability to hold water and nutrients
  • Loamy - combination of all particle sizes, with the desirable attributes of each
  • Moist
  • Sandy - largest soil particles with spherical and cubical shapes, better aerated and easier to work, but lowest water and nutrient holding abilities
  • Silty Loam - between clay and sand in particle size, spherical and cubical in shape
  • Well-drained
  • Wet
  • Wide Range
  • Drought Tolerant

Hardiness Zone means the area of the U.S. where the species can be expected to grow in the zone's temperature extremes, as determined by the lowest average annual temperature.

ZONE LOWEST AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE IN DEGREES FAHRENHEIT
Zone 2 -40 through -50
Zone 3 -30 through -40
Zone 4 -20 through -30
Zone 5 -10 through -20
Zone 6 0 through -10
Zone 7 10 through 0
Zone 8 20 through 10
Zone 9 30 through 20
Zone 10 40 through 30

Growth Rate means the average speed with which the species grows. Slow growing species typically live longer than fast growing species. [More about this.]

  • Slow
  • Medium Slow
  • Medium
  • Medium Fast
  • Fast

Type of Tree identifies trees by type.

  • Evergreen
  • Flowering
  • Fruit
  • Nut
  • Ornamental
  • Shade

Shape means the typical shape of the species at maturity. If your planting site has space limitations you may want to select a columnar species. Round and v-shaped species provide the most shade.

  • Round
  • V-shaped
  • Oval
  • Prostrate
  • Columnar
  • Pyramidal

Info may provide more information on the tree's attributes, wildlife value, history/lore, blooms, fruit, leaves and moisture requirements.

Purchase Info links you to the arborday.org Tree Store for information on purchasing a tree from the Arbor Day Foundation.

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