When selecting a tree to buy you also need to look at the foliage, if present, and buds. Foliage should be of "normal" size and color for the species and evenly distributed all over the crown of the tree. The foliage should not be confined to the tips of the branches, or the bottom or top of the crown. Buds should be large and plump. Tiny dried buds are not viable, and will not produce leaves the next growing season. There should be no discoloration in the leaves, or signs of a fungus or insect problem.
| This lilac has good quality foliage, form, and number of stems. This is a good example of purchasable stock. |
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| Buds will vary with color and size, depending on species. The bud pictured is a typical healthy terminal bud from a black ash tree. |
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| Pictured here are healthy lilac terminal buds. Most lilac's have two terminal buds, whereas most species only have one. This is another reason to know the growth habit of the species you are looking to buy. |
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| This arborvitae has severe dieback on the lower half of the canopy. This is not normal and should be avoided. |
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| This maple has dieback on it's leaves. It could be from drought, a pot-bound root system, or something else. No matter the cause, the plant has experienced some stress, and should not be purchased. |
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| This tree is expressing typical drought symptoms. This means the tree has experienced stress, and problems could have also occurred with the root system. It is better to stay away from stock like this. |
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| On the left side of this picture is an off-color Colorado Blue Spruce. Once again, compare the color of the plant you are going to purchase to surrounding plants, to verify that it is not experiencing any sort of problems. |
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| This Douglas-fir has off-color foliage. It could be chlorosis or some sort of nutrient deficiency. Either way, correcting the problem will be an unnecessary expense. It is best to pick a plant that is healthy in the beginning. |
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| This buttonbush has necrotic foliage. Necrosis refers to leaves that have partial dead spots or are entirely dead. When picking out stock compare it to the surrounding plants of the same type. If it appears to be abnormal, do not purchase it. |
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| Insects have been chewing on this tree's leaves. While the remaining portion of the tree has not been attacked, someone about to purchase this tree doesn't know if this is the first season it has occurred, or if the tree has experienced repeated defoliation the last couple of years. Repeated defoliation can stress a tree, stunt its growth, and give the new owner less than satisfactory growth the first couple of growing seasons. It is best to avoid such stock. |
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| These walnuts have a fungal leaf disease. While the disease may be treatable, there is no reason to purchase defective stock. |
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| This is a crabapple that has a bacterial disease called fire blight. While fire blight is treatable, it is not recommended that diseased stock be purchased. |
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| This too, is a tree with fire blight. It is best to not purchase trees with dieback present during the growing season. |
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| Foliage is not always supposed to be green. Here is an example of a rhododendron that has a slightly darker color foliage. Different cultivars are sometimes chosen for their unique foliar appearance. The homeowner should be aware of the different varieties available to pick out the healthiest plant available. |
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| This tree only has foliage located on the very tips of the branches. This will weigh down the ends of the branches, making them more susceptible to breakage, as well as perpetuating poor growth. It is also a sign of stress, and this tree should not be purchased. |
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| This walnut has well distributed, healthy foliage, as well has good branching. This is an example of good stock to buy. |
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| This is another example of a well structured Linden with evenly distributed foliage. This is an example of a tree you would purchase. |
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