How to Manage Pests

Choose a good location

Consider soil quality, water quality and availability, drainage, and other conditions before selecting a planting location and the species to grow there. Determine proximity to structures, pavement, overhead lines, and underground utilities that may be damaged by growing roots.

Determine how much light and heat occur at that location based on climate and nearby structures, pavement, and plants; choose species suited to those conditions. Examine the space available for growth and learn about the mature size of candidate plants. Give limbs and roots plenty of room to grow and use only plants that will fit at maturity. Most small trees should be placed at least 5 feet from structures and at least 3 feet from any paved area; larger trees should be placed even farther away. Look for overhead obstacles. Do not plant tall-growing species beneath utility lines. Utility companies prune trees that grow into overhead lines, which can severely disfigure trees and promote decay, structural failure, insect attacks, and increase utility costs.