What does that mean?

• Buying trees is like buying anything else: 
• write detailed specifications before seeking bids, and 
• check over the actual trees on delivery.

• The first step in avoiding future hazard trees is to plant high quality stock.
• Poor stock will end up costing you much more money in the long run because of:
• increased rates of maintenance
• shorter life span.
• The best insurance:
• deal with a reputable vendor
• establish careful specifications
• reserve the right to reject upon delivery
• get a two-year warranty if possible

• If you have a knowledgeable and critical eye, it is possible to save money.
• But trees are usually cheap for a reason:
• they may be an undesirable species
• they can have diseases
• they often show poor structure
• they may have dried out

• OVERALL
• health and vigor (at least 4-6" between the old bud scar and the end of the twig)
• symmetrical general form, with a balance between height and spread
• freshly-dug or containerized trees grown at least 2 years in a climate similar to yours

• CROWN
• a single and undamaged central leader (except for certain ornamental trees)
• well-spaced branches that are evenly distributed around the trunk
• no branches below 48" from the ground (especially for street trees)
• no branches with a narrow angle to the trunk (except for trees like Japanese zelkova)
• no sign of insects or diseases (egg masses, leaf problems, etc.)

• TRUNK
• a straight trunk, with no damage except minor scrapes and cuts
• the caliper size you need (in an urban situation, at least 2" is often specified)
• no recent pruning wounds, no topping
• no signs of serious insects (e.g., borer holes) or disease (e.g., sunken areas, mushrooms)

• ROOTS
• a well developed root system, but not a dense mass from being pot-bound
• no girdling roots--make sure to look, or at least reach your hand down
• if balled and burlapped, only natural burlap or wire baskets
• a rootball appropriate for the height of the tree (see American Standard for Nursery Stock)

• Deal with a reputable nursery
• Inspect all stock carefully
• Be sure all your specifications state: "All plants must conform to the current edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI Z60.1"

Urban Tree Foundation, "Guideline Specifications for nursery tree quality." For other information, advice and help on this topic, call offices of your State Urban Forestry Coordinator or University Extension service, or visit urban forestry web sites.