Plant & Care
Healthy trees start with good decisions. Learn how to plant a tree correctly, choose the right tree for the right place, and discover why a healthy urban forest matters to our community.
How to Plant a Tree
Planting a tree correctly gives it the best chance for a long, healthy life. Watch our step-by-step video to learn the techniques TREES Inc. recommends.
Right Tree, Right Place
Choosing the right tree—and the right location—is the first step toward a healthy tree that will thrive for years to come. Learn what to consider before you plant.
Why We Plant Trees
Trees do far more than beautify our community. They provide shade, improve air quality, support wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and make our neighborhoods healthier and more welcoming.
How to Plant a Tree
Watch our step-by-step guide to planting a tree correctly and giving it the best chance for a long, healthy life.
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Right Tree, Right Place
Choosing the right tree is about more than finding one you like. A tree’s mature size, growing needs and planting location all play a role in whether it will thrive for decades—or struggle and require ongoing maintenance.
Choose your tree carefully. Look for species that are well suited to our climate and the conditions of your particular site. Native trees are often excellent choices because they provide important food and habitat for local wildlife and are adapted to our region. Avoid invasive species, which can spread beyond the landscape, crowd out native plants and harm natural areas.
Before choosing a tree, look up, look down and look all around. Consider:
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Species: Is it appropriate for our region, and is it non-invasive?
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Space: How tall and wide will the tree be when mature?
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Sun & soil: Does the site provide the light, moisture, drainage and soil conditions the species needs?
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Overhead utilities: Choose a tree whose mature height and spread will not conflict with power lines.
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Underground utilities: Have utilities located before digging.
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Buildings & pavement: Allow enough room for the mature canopy and root system.
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Purpose: Are you planting for shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, screening or another benefit?
Why We Plant Trees
Terre Haute has been a Tree City USA community for 25+ years.
Trees are essential community infrastructure. They make our neighborhoods more beautiful and livable while providing benefits that grow year after year.
A healthy urban forest helps:
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Cool our community by providing shade and reducing heat.
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Clean our air by absorbing pollutants and storing carbon.
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Manage stormwater by intercepting rainfall and reducing runoff.
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Support wildlife by providing food and habitat for birds, pollinators and other species.
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Strengthen neighborhoods by creating attractive, welcoming streets, parks and public spaces.
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Improve quality of life by connecting people with nature and creating greener places to live, work and gather.
Since 1990, TREES Inc. has worked with volunteers, local government and community partners to plant, protect and care for Terre Haute’s urban forest. Every tree we plant is an investment in the community we leave for the next generation.