Selecting the right tree is a mixture of science, art, and personal preference.
Urban trees are lifelines. They bring shade on the hottest summer days, reduce flooding by soaking up stormwater, clean the air we breathe, protect local biodiversity, and create welcoming green spaces where people can connect and recharge.
But planting the right tree in the right place takes more than good intentions. It means listening to what neighbors want, choosing species that will thrive long-term, making the most of available resources, and sometimes working within city or grant guidelines. It’s a thoughtful balance that gives every tree the best chance to grow strong and make a lasting difference.
Across the Groundwork Network, urban forestry teams carefully blend science, community preferences, and lived experience to make planting decisions that serve both residents and the environment. Here’s what they’ve learned about planting with purpose.
Groundwork Lawrence: Balance Science, Art, and Community preference
“Selecting the right tree is a mixture of science, art, and personal preference,” says Brad Buschur, Project Director. “The process that I encourage the team to use is to lay out where you think your trees can go, and then start thinking about the form you want that tree to have—encouraging species that make space, rather than take up space.”
At Groundwork Lawrence, species selection starts with a good understanding of the site. Once a location has been selected, the team surveys the site to get a good sense of utility lines – above and below ground – to ensure roots don’t interfere with water lines and canopies have room to grow. Especially in urban neighborhoods, the site quickly narrows down the options.
From there tree selection is shaped by program requirements and lessons learned. For example, through the Greening the Gateway Cities program, all selections must come from approved lists that prioritize shade equity in environmental justice neighborhoods. Over time, the team has shifted plantings to favor public spaces—about 80% public and 20% private—so they can plant hearty street trees that the team can maintain consistently.
Planting is also guided by listening to the people who use the spaces. At a historic park where they’ve worked for over 15 years, Brad notes, “The city wants trees, and we want to plant them. But we’re trying to do it in a way that respects the historical layout of the park by mimicking what was once there.” Choosing species that residents want to see can also foster stewardship and pride. “One of the best parts of my job is when somebody comes up and says, ‘That red maple you planted at the common—it is so beautiful!’” Brad shares.
Pro Tip: Survey and listen to residents to choose trees that thrive and build community pride.
Groundwork Richmond: Use Smart Tools for Smarter Tree Planting
“Those trees were chosen because of the amount of carbon that they can sequester,” explains Lorena Castillo, Executive Director.
For Groundwork Richmond, every planting decision is guided by a mix of grant requirements, city guidelines, and local realities. Many grants specify which species can be planted and which environmental benefits—like carbon capture or stormwater management—must be prioritized. The team uses the i-Tree calculator to ensure each planting meets these requirements while also projecting long-term benefits.
Balancing these priorities with what will thrive in Richmond’s urban environment is a constant challenge. “I think that’s the biggest pushback we get. There are a lot of native trees that can sequester lots of carbon. Whether or not they do well in Richmond’s tough clay soils is a whole other story,” Lorena says.
Species selection is also guided by Richmond’s Urban Greening Master Plan and the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee, while coordination with the city parks department ensures long-term maintenance. “Every situation and every place that we plant is going to be unique,” Lorena notes. “We’re trying to find a happy medium where we all feel like we’re getting the job done in the end.”
Pro Tip: Where limitations exist, let smart data tools do the heavy lifting.
Groundwork Rhode Island: Prioritize Diversity and Collaboration
A diverse tree canopy is a healthy tree canopy. At Groundwork Rhode Island, their goal is to create a resilient tree canopy by prioritizing diversity across the whole tree population. “We try to stick to native species or trees that do well in this range. And variety is our biggest focus,” says Currie Touloumtzis, the Urban Tree Program Manager. They follow the 10/20/30 rule—no more than 10% of one species, 20% of one genus, and 30% of one family across the urban forest—as a safeguard against pests and disease.
The team balances native and non-native species, robust trees for streets, and delicate varieties for private plantings. For residential projects, the team prioritizes the personal preferences of the homeowner. They’ve curated a book of about 25 vetted tree species that have the potential to thrive in this region. “If a homeowner would really love a flowering tree, we’ll usually restrict to what we’re showing them in the book, so we’re not always planting the same exact flowering tree,” Currie says.
For street trees and larger plantings, the team partners with the Green Infrastructure Center to connect with the community and build shared understanding. “That’s been wonderful because we can support their work, listen to what community members want, and let them lead it, which we currently don’t have the resources to set up,” Currie notes. “Hearing where people want trees, even if not specific species, helps us connect, explain our planting decisions, and work more closely with the community.”
Pro Tip: Mix diverse species and collaborate with partners to grow resilient urban forests.
Every community, neighborhood, park, and yard is unique—and so is the way each Groundwork Affiliate approaches tree selection. What unites us is a shared commitment to urban forestry that builds resilience, centers community voices, and creates lasting impact. To guide thoughtful tree planting in any setting, here’s a practical checklist:
Your Tree Selection Checklist
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Honor place and culture: Choose trees that reflect the community’s history, culture and traditions so residents feel connected and invested in their environment.
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Let data guide decisions: Tools like i-Tree make tree selection easier by providing the data needed to choose the right species for the community’s specific needs.
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Balance ecology with reality: Mix native and non-native species, consider soil and maintenance, and follow diversity guidelines to maintain a healthy urban forest.
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Make your selections beautiful and functional: When possible, plant flowering trees for visual appeal, which can spark joy and pride among residents and encourage stewardship.
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Collaborate to amplify impact: Working with local organizations and residents strengthens engagement and action, and extends benefits beyond a single block.
When done with purpose, planting the right tree in the right place doesn’t just improve the environment—it strengthens community, honors history, and creates resilient spaces for years to come.
