Additional Tree Selection References

The Virginia Urban Street Tree Selector focuses exclusively on urban sites in Virginia and nearby areas. It will help you generate a list of trees that should perform well in your site and suit your needs. It is always best, however, to consult multiple sources when researching any tree that you are not experienced with before making a final selection. Below are a few references that can help you gain a complete picture of how your tree will perform. Keep in mind that many factors that affect tree performance are regional in nature (climate, pest prevalence, etc.). Check out VUSTS tree reviews to read about first hand experience with trees in our region.

Dirr, Michael A., Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. 5th Ed., Stipes Publishing, Champaign, IL, 1998. 1187 pp.
This exhaustive reference provides full descriptions for nearly every woody plant available. Link to description.

Bassuk, Nina et al., Recommended Urban Trees: Site Assessment and Tree Selection for Stress Tolerance. Urban Horticulture Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 2003. 127 pp.
An excellent reference focused on using trees for urban sites by the developers of CUSoil (a structural soil). Includes species suitable for New York State, so does not include certain more southerly species appropriate for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Link to pdf and description.

Gerhold, H. D., W. N. Wandell, and N. L. Lacasse, Eds. 1993. Street Tree Factsheets. PennState College of Agricultural Sciences, State College, PA

Northern Trees—Scientific Names. Details on the culture of many woody plants are available at this web site currently under development by Dr. Edward Gilman of the University of Florida and his colleagues at Rutgers University. Northern Trees includes those in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. A “Southern” counterpart is also available for Zone 8 and warmer.

The Virginia Urban Street Tree Selector Virginia Tech Forestry Department