Before you decide what tree to plant, go outside and look around.

You need to know your space, said Taylor Neff, a community forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Look at the size of the plot of land you’re working with, and think about the size and habitat of the tree you are considering. 

If your yard is small, or your lot is narrow, pick a tree that won’t outgrow it. And if your planting spot gets lots of hot sun, or has soil that’s rocky and dry, pick a tree that can live in those conditions. 

Neff suggests studying the Department of Conservation’s Field Guide, which lists every plant’s native habitat. Then try to find the right tree for your planting site.

“There’s a species for every site,” Neff said.

Also remember to look overhead. Power lines should be avoided. And if there are other tall trees nearby that will shade your new tree, plant something from the “understory” that can thrive without as much sun.

Here’s Kansas City’s plan to plant more trees.

Think about diversity

If every tree on your block is a maple or an oak, choose something else. It only takes one invasive pest to wipe out an entire species of trees. (Just look at what happened to Kansas City’s ash trees, which have been almost completely obliterated by the emerald ash borer.) 

“Plant something different,” Neff said.  “That way, we’re more resilient.”

Choose native trees

Native varieties of trees are more likely to succeed in our area. And native trees give insects and other pollinators the ecosystem they need. The Tree List: Kansas City, from Robert Whitman with Multistudio, offers guidance when you start looking for a tree.

Forest ReLeaf, a St. Louis nonprofit that gives away trees to plant in public spaces and sells trees for private use, also has a list that could give guidance.

Avoid invasive species

Planting a tree not meant to live in our area can cause problems for native plants and the insects and animals that need them to survive.

The callery pear (also known as Bradford pear), for example, was once very popular and widely planted around Kansas City. But the trees crowd  out native plants and are difficult to control. 

Check this list of invasive plants before deciding on a tree.

Call 311

Before you plant a tree in the public easement, the city asks you to call 311 to help them keep track of what is being planted where. Or contact Heartland Tree Alliance, where you can also request a free tree.

Some helpful information online

• Missouri Department of Conservation’s guide to caring for newly planted trees. (It’s important not to plant a tree too deep.)
• The Conservation Department’s Field Guide will give you information about different trees and plants.
• Contact a community forester to ask about a fungus, a bug or where to plant your tree. You can find one through the Missouri Department of Conservation here. They’ll also do site visits.
• Order seedlings from the George O. White State Forest Nursery between September and April.
• Forest ReLeaf’s Project CommuniTree sells and gives away trees at certain times of year.