Selecting trees goes far beyond structure and is one of the last things to look for when selecting a tree. To those who are structural and aesthetic purists, this is blasphemy. 

       If a Des Moines Arborist does not look at structure first, what should they look at when selecting a tree?       

       Olson Tree Care's 6 steps to Proper Tree Selection.

       1. Healthy Foliage and lots of it. A healthy tree is evidence by its leaves. Sparse, disfigured and discolored foliage frequents an unhealthy tree.     

       2. Root bound in pot. It is unnatural to have a 12 foot tree with a 2 foot root. Leading to grotesque root structure, it is an easy fix by selecting the smallest tree available. Sliding the container off and inspecting is a must.      

       3. Scratches on trunk. Thin bark is easily damaged and is thought to be easily overcome. While a tree has a greater ability to heal when young, a simple scratch can turn into necrosis in a short amount of time.    

       4. Insect populations. A small population of insects, like bagworms, will turn into a large population shortly.

       5. Buried Root collar. The youngest of trees should begin to show signs of root flare. Lack of flare may mean that something is being hidden below.

       6. Included bark. Trees with included bark branch forks are prone to failure once mature. Look for good auxiliary wood (interlocking grain) in vertex of the branch fork.

Structure mostly pleases people in the selection of trees, not trees.