You can do a general test for soil drainage by digging a hole in the planting area and filling it with water. If the water hasn t drained away in a couple of hours, drainage may be an issue. In areas where drainage is a particular problem, planting in raised beds of 12 to 18 inches of well-drained quality topsoil may be a solution. Soil quality in new subdivisions often presents tree-planting problems. In cases where soil contamination is severe, the only solution may be to scrape away the contaminated soil and replace it with good quality topsoil at a depth associated with your planting objectives.
Personal taste is another key consideration.
Think of how different kinds of new trees can enhance the attractiveness of your property. Make a list of the kinds of trees you admire and think about how they would look. Consider how your selection will fill in to the planting area over time. Make a few sketches or, if you don t trust your own artistic talent, consult available landscape design software, or a landscape designer. The roots of the tree and the ball of soil containing the roots are bound in burlap.