Released Sept. 28, 2007
URBANA, Ill. - One of the most expensive additions to the home landscape is a tree and some investigation and preparation may make the difference between a good and bad investment, said a University of Illinois Extension specialist.
"Fall is the time to be planting trees," explained Jane Scherer, who heads U of I Extension's websites and urban programs. "Trees can be a huge investment for the homeowner so you want to make sure that the tree you select in well-suited to your particular landscape.
"Extension has a website that can help in that process."
"Selecting Trees for Your Home" (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/) will help you make knowledgeable decisions when selecting a tree for your landscape.
"If you already know the name of a tree you are considering and need more information, type the name in on the "Search Trees" page and additional information, and a photo will appear," said Scherer.
"If you don't know any tree names, the "Search Trees" page allows you to specify items such as size and special needs (i.e. a tree that tolerates a dry site or one that will grow in alkaline soil). After you have chosen all the criteria that you want your tree to meet, click on the submit button and a list of trees meeting those criteria will be displayed." Users can search by size, light exposure, use, and tolerance of various conditions. For instance if you know you need a small tree because you have limited space, click on the tab for "Trees by Size" then click on "Small Trees." This will provide a list of smaller trees. Then click on the name of a particular tree and learn more about it.
"The information available on the site can also help you search for trees by fall foliage and other considerations," she noted.
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http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4155.html
Contacts: Jane Scherer, (217) 244-2849
Bob Sampson, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu
