Looking to build your own shaded forest in your backyard? Want to learn which trees will give you the best bang for your buck in your neighborhood? Ready to give back to your community and help create a more sustainable urban environment? Look no further! We'll walk you through the different considerations and logistics to take into account when planning your own tree planting project.

STEP ONE: Where do you want to plant your trees?

• When starting your journey into urban tree planting, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is where you will be planting your tree. Always remember: right tree, right place. If you place a tree in an ill-suited environment, it can drastically lower the tree's chances of survival, or even create hazards as the tree gets larger. Ask yourself: what is the soil like? How much direct sunlight does the area get each day? Is the ground often saturated with water, or does it stay very dry? Are there any buildings, overhead wires, or other structures that might interfere with the tree as it grows? Questions like these should be taken into account when planning your project. Check out LG&E's Right Tree, Right Place guide for some pointers! For guidance on specific trees and their preferred environmental conditions, browse through the Arbor Day Foundation's tree database.
  
  
• Another very important factor to consider is whether or not you will need to apply for any permits before planting in your selected site. For trees planted in the public right-of-way (the strip between the sidewalk and the street), all residents are required to obtain a planting permit from Louisville Metro Urban Forestry. The easiest way to do this is to call 311 to submit a permit request.

STEP TWO: What features are you looking for in a tree?

• After you've figured out your site conditions, it's time to think about what kind of features you'd like your tree to have.
  
  
• Are you looking for a tree that will provide flowers in the spring, or produce edible fruit? Perhaps you'd like a large canopy tree that will offer lots of cooling shade, or one that will keep its leaves year-round to provide a privacy screen. You may even just want a tree that's super low-maintenance!
  
  
• First, let's start with the difference between native, non-native, and invasive species.
• Native: species that historically existed and adapted in its area
• Non-native: species that have not historically existed in the area and have been introduced through human actions
• Invasive: species that are non-native to the area and introduction will like cause harm and damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
  
  
• Think about tree size: how large do you want your tree to be once it reaches maturity? Make note of any power lines or height obstructions, which will limit the size class of trees you should choose from.
• Class A: large canopy trees that can reach between 50-100 feet tall at maturity
• Class B: medium canopy trees that reach between 30-50 feet tall at maturity
• Class C: small canopy/understory trees that typically do not grow larger than 25-30 feet when fully mature.

STEP THREE: Where do you buy your trees?

• Local vs. "Big Box" store
• "Big Box" stores like the Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart often have trees for purchase, however most stores will have a small selection of species to choose from, and quality of plant material can vary greatly.
• Shopping at a locally-owned nursery will provide you with a much greater variety of tree species to choose from, and also keeps more dollars in the local economy. Staff with horticultural knowledge are on-hand to help answer any questions you might have about tree selection, planting, and care.

Ready to plant? Make sure to check out our list of Recommended Trees for Kentucky!