Adopting an intellectual approach to tree selection ensures only those species with positive attributes directly arising from scrutiny against objective criteria are used. The selection process must address trees in relation to urban design in a holistic manner. Appreciating fundamental aspects of plant physiology and biology enables the landscape manager or arborist to plan landscapes which satisfy the widest range of end users whilst providing the broadest number of benefits. Applying a tree selection process as described in isolation may still lead to failure unless sufficient attention is paid to a raft of other relevant factors which determine successful tree establishment and development. Certain aspects of the three tree selection criteria must be revisited to ensure oversights or errors are minimised or eliminated at the planning and preparation stage.
Landscape architects are usually strong on design concept theory.
Their special skill, amongst many, is visualising the site in terms of space, pattern, juxtaposition, character and scale. Where trees are an integral part of a design they are imagined fulfilling a particular place, serving a specific intended purpose. See Figure 2. Blue Atlas Cedar - inappropriate species selected for a severely restricted site, where natural development will be at best impaired, most likely completely wasted when removal becomes the only option. The ultimate canopy size of trees, together with their form in relation to surroundings are the primary physical attributes which must be envisaged across their lifespan.