Purchasing Trees

Don't waste your time and money on inferior trees. Always plant good-quality trees from reputable nurseries and garden centers.

Buy the right tree for the site

• Know the tree's future size, shape and overall appearance before purchase.
• Know the tree's cultural requirements (light, shade, moisture, soil type, etc.).
• Consult with reputable nursery owners about choosing the right tree for your site.

Look for these qualities

• Long, vigorous branches on current year's growth, with well developed buds.
• Pleasing proportion of height to spread. Well developed lateral branches.
• A straight trunk with an absence of wounds.
• Firm, moist root ball or container soil.

Transporting and storing trees

• Keep roots moist.
• Protect branches from windy rides in open truckbeds.
• Plant trees as soon as possible after purchase.
• Lift trees by their containers or root balls to avoid breaking fine roots and to protect trunks.

Purchasing Trees Guide

Print and carry this two-page guide when you start shopping for new Missouri landscape trees.