This reference helps home gardeners and professionals select trees with confidence. Written by Michael Dirr and Keith Warren, it focuses on proven choices for yards, streets, and public spaces. You get practical direction that connects tree characteristics to everyday design needs, so plantings look good and perform well over time.

Choose the right tree for the right place: Find guidance that links mature size, growth habit, and site conditions to the spaces you manage. This helps you avoid placement problems and choose trees that fit your goals, from shade and screening to seasonal interest.

Design for beauty and function: Use clear descriptions of form, foliage, flowers, and structure to plan with purpose. The book supports decisions about spacing, canopy shape, and line of sight, so trees complement paths, patios, and building edges without extra rework.

Plan for longevity and easier care: Learn what to expect as trees grow, including how shape and scale change over time. This sets you up for better outcomes, lower maintenance, and stronger performance in landscapes and streetscapes alike.