An attractive landscape needs to have different layers. Trees form the upper canopy and create a framework for the garden. Mature shade trees provide structure, shade and a "ceiling" in your outdoor "room." Smaller ones create "walls" and the background against which other plants can be juxtaposed.

But don't just plant any tree or the one you are most familiar with. Trees are a long-lasting addition to the landscape. Keep in mind the phrase "the right plant for the right place." Choose trees that work for your site and conditions and that will not outgrow your space.

Know the characteristics and requirements of trees before you plant. Find out what the tree will look like in all four seasons, not just spring. Look for features such as interesting bark (birch, paperbark maple, stewartia), fruit (crabapples, hawthorne, dogwood), fall color (Japanese maples, katsuratree, serviceberry), and branching structure (Japanese maples, dogwoods). The following are just a few of the many wonderful trees to choose from.

Each spring, vivid mauve flowers erupt from tiny pink buds positioned directly along the silvery-gray branches of Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Green heart-shaped leaves follow, with dangling, 3-inch flat seed pods forming quickly thereafter. Fall color is usually a subtle yellow. This lovely small native tree, reaching 20 to 30 feet in height, fits perfectly in the woodland border. It thrives in light shade to full sun, with moist, well-drained soil.

Cornus kousa 'Radiant Rose' is a new pink kousa dogwood, with deep rose-pink flowers borne above the foliage in late spring. New leaves and branches are tinged with red. Fall color is also a good ruby-red. 'Radiant Rose' dogwood reaches 20 feet in height and spread. Plant in full sun to very light shade in moist, well-drained soil.

For impact throughout the year, grow 'Heritage' river birch (Betula nigra) for its extraordinary shaggy bark in shades of cinnamon to salmon-brown to white. It is a medium to large specimen tree, reaching 40 to 50 feet high and 30 to 35 feet wide. It is available in either tree or clump form. River birches tolerate wet soil but grow well in average garden soil. These trees are resistant to the bronze birch borer that plagues European white birches. 'Summer Cascade' is a new weeping variety with many of the same features and cultural requirements.

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) develops into a beautiful, stately tree, attaining a height of 50 to 60 feet and a width of 35 to 45 feet. Densely pyramidal to oval with branches to the ground, its leaves are a lustrous, dark green in summer and a rich russet or bronze in fall. The magnificent smooth gray bark resembles an elephant's hide as it ages.

European beech requires a moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. It develops into a beautiful specimen tree. There are many excellent available cultivars which include weeping and purple-leaf forms. Future generations will thank you for planting this beech.

When planting a tree, loosen the soil in an area about 1 foot deep and three to five times the width of the root ball. Do not add soil amendments. Once the tree is situated, remove the burlap and any string, rope or wire around the root ball or trunk. Staking is not needed unless a tree is especially large (over 8 or 9 feet tall), or in a very windy area. If stakes are used, remove them after one year to prevent damage to the tree.

Prune only if there are broken, damaged or crossing branches, or multiple leaders. Lightly tamp down the soil and water the tree well, then apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to within 1 inch of the trunk.