Paul J. Mitchell, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist T rees, shrubs, and turf are the only things that truly increase in value around the home. All other things depreciate. A combination of trees and shrub scan also lower energy consumption.
Planting begins with the selection of species adapted to the site and climate.
For example pin oak and sweetgum become progressively less climatically adapted west of State Highway 48. Yet sweetgum will tolerate poorly drained clay soils that would kill an oak. While an oak has some drought tolerance, sweetgum has none. The time to decide on the species is long before you go to the nursery to select the tree. For more information, visit your county Extension office, local nursery, park or arboretum, or areas of your city that have mature trees.