A tree that drops its leaves in the fall allows the sun to warm a house in the winter. Street trees reduce the glare from pavement, reduce run off, filter out pollutants and add oxygen to the air we breath. Street trees also improve the overall appearance and quality of life in a city or neighborhood. This is a good rule to remember when selecting a tree. When making a selection about form, also consider mature tree size.
Trees grow in a variety of sizes and shapes, as shown below.
They can vary in height from several inches to several hundred feet. Select a form and size that will fit the planting space provided. Depending on your site restrictions, there are hundreds of combinations of form and size to choose from. You may choose a small spreading tree in a location with overhead utility lines. You may select a narrow columnar form to provide a screen between two buildings.