In order to develop a sustainable landscape, there must first be an ecological match of the tree to the environment and the site to the tree. The site can be modified to make it compatible with the tree's specific needs. People will often ignore factors such as the seed source, the ecological factors of the tree, the tree's origin and natural habitat, and the adaptability of the root stock. Fruit growers are way ahead of arborists in dealing with the lower half of the tree. Apple root stocks, for example, are available according to soils and climate as well as sizes and shapes of the future tree.
Low vitality is another problem with tree survival.
Trees being purchased from nurseries can have insufficient food reserves and might be susceptible to insects and diseases. Many of these trees have insufficient numbers of roots, captured roots or severed roots. Too many planting problems are because of the wrong time or because of improper tree planting techniques. Trees survive transplanting not because you save roots, but because the tree can easily grow new roots. One inch diameter roots are the ideal size for generating new roots.