When visiting the nursery, there are a few things to consider before you buy a tree. You may initially need to meet with a professional arborist to make a wise decision. An arborist will evaluate your soil to see if it is acidic or alkaline. They will also evaluate the area and recommend trees that do well in your area. Considerations such as shade, sandy soil, wet or dry areas, proximity to structures and streets will be made. They will also narrow down your search for the type of tree that you like and give you some options that you may not have considered. Hiring an arborist to do this can help you to avoid wasted time and money spent on a tree that will not necessarily do well in the area that you are hoping to plant it in.
Once you have your tree picked out, you will need to visit a nursery and choose the right tree. The first thing to look for is evenly spaced branches. You will need a single trunk that preferably has alternating branches substantial enough to become large supporting structures in the future. V-shaped trunks or trunks that are split at the bottom are not acceptable. These trees usually have uneven amounts of limbs on each trunk and are extremely prone to later splitting. If this type of tree lives long enough to be large, then the tree can easily split in half and pose a hazard to life and property around it.
The next thing to check is the root system. If the roots are crowded then the tree will not root well and will most likely die within the first year. Roots that snake around the container should be avoided. Check and make sure that roots have not been broken off or severely damaged during transport. You want a tree that is planted in a container large enough to contain all of the roots while giving them room to branch out.
Look for wounds, disease and signs of insect infestation before you buy. Wounds caused by wire wraps can be deadly to a tree. Young trees should not be pruned until they have been planted in their permanent position for about a year. If you see a young tree pruned in a nursery, then you should avoid it. Early pruning can scar a tree's water line inside the trunk. This early pruning can disrupt the flow of water and nutrients to the rest of the tree.
Once you have the correct tree chosen, take care to plant it correctly and water it regularly. After the first year, you will need to consult with an arborist again about tree trimming Austin. Texas trees need special care and proper trimming to survive, so you shouldn't take any chances by attempting to trim or prune trees yourself.