Since trees are a big part of what makes our world beautiful, it’s easy to understand why we would want them in our yards. However, trees can be very finicky growers if the conditions aren’t right. Though you may want certain species of tree in your yard, it could be that your yard simply can’t support them. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right trees for your landscape:

Soil
The soil is the source of your tree’s nutrients, so it should be the first factor you consider. Determine whether your yard’s soil is composed of primarily sand, silt, or clay—if you’re feeling really savvy, you could even get a home test kit and find out the pH level. You should then take the information to a nursery, where they will tell you whether or not your soil is suitable for palm, citrus, or other trees. 

Space
It’s important not to determine which trees to buy based on how they appear at the nursery. Instead, you should do a bit of research to find out what these trees look like once they reach maturity. Then make sure that your yard will be able to support their needs for years to come.

Conditions
In addition to soil and space, you also have to make sure your landscape has the right conditions to support tree life. Does your yard get enough sun? Is it flat? Does it get a lot of wind? These are all important factors to think about before settling on a type of tree. The process of selecting trees is sometimes overwhelming, which is why it’s always a good idea to seek the help of nursery professionals.