You may have heard the saying, “Fall is for Planting.”

Choosing a tree should be a well-thought-out decision.

Trees in your backyard can be home to many different types of wildlife, reduce your heating and cooling costs, help clean the air, add beauty and color, provide shelter from the wind and sun, and add value to your home.

Tree planting can be a significant investment in money and time. Proper selection can provide you with years of enjoyment.

Before you buy a tree, check references on gardening at local libraries and arboretums.

Some questions to consider:

What purpose will the tree serve?

Trees can serve numerous landscape functions including beautification, screening of sights and sounds, shade and energy conservation, and wildlife habitat.

Is the species appropriate for the area?

Select trees native to the Lehigh Valley region. Reliable nurseries will not sell plants that are not suitable for the area.

However, some mass marketers have trees and shrubs that are not winter hardy in the Lehigh Valley.

Even if a tree is hardy, it may not flower consistently from year to year at the limits of its useful range due to late spring and early fall freezes.

If you are buying a tree for the spring flowers and fall fruits, this is a consideration.

How big will it get?

When planting a small tree, it is often difficult to imagine that in 20 years it could shade your entire yard.

Unfortunately, many trees are planted and later removed when they grow beyond the dimensions of your property.

What is the life expectancy of the tree?

Some trees can live for hundreds of years, others are “short-lived” and may live for only 20 years to 30 years.

Many short-lived trees tend to be smaller, ornamental species.

Short-lived species should not be ruled out when considering plantings. They may have other desirable characteristics, such as size, shape, tolerance of shade or desirable fruit that would be useful in your landscape.

Does it have any ornamental value such as leaf color, flowers or fruits?

Some species provide beautiful displays of color for short periods in spring or fall.

Other species may have foliage that is reddish or variegated and add color in your landscape year-round.

Trees bearing fruit or nuts can provide an excellent source of food for many species of wildlife. However, some people consider some fruit and nut-bearing trees to be “dirty.”

Does it have any insect, disease or other problem that may reduce its usefulness?

Certain insects and diseases can be serious problems in some desirable species.

Depending on the pest, control may be difficult, and the pest may significantly reduce the attractiveness and life expectancy of the plant.

Some species are susceptible to damage in ice storms or heavy winds.

How common is this species in your neighborhood?

Some species are overplanted. Increasing the natural diversity will provide habitat for wildlife and help limit the opportunity for a single pest to destroy all plantings.

Is the tree evergreen or deciduous?

Evergreens will provide cover and shade year-round. They may also be more effective as a barrier to wind and noise.

Deciduous trees will give summer shade, but allow the winter sun to shine in. This may be a consideration for where to place the tree.

Do your homework so the tree you choose is really the tree you want.

See you at The Fair: The Great Allentown Fair continues through Sept. 1. Penn State Master Gardeners will have a booth in the Agri-Plex where you can ask all your gardening questions.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613