Planted correctly, trees can enhance the look of your yard, benefiting it for generations to come. Just look at these three newly planted crepe myrtles.They add an upright element to the landscape and help soften the lines of the house.

When selecting trees, always consider the space you have to fill, and think about a tree's mature size. This will help determine if you need a small, medium, or large tree (see chart below). Take into consideration any overhead lines, and make sure plants won't eventually interfere with them.

Before digging any large holes, take time to contact your local utility companies to mark gas lines, water pipes, or underground cables.

Once you select the perfect tree and site, dig a hole as deep as the tree's root ball and twice as wide. A mattock and round-point shovel are essential for planting, and an ax comes in handy if the hole has lots of roots. Mix organic matter, such as sphagnum peat moss or soil conditioner, with the excavated soil.

Gently set the tree into the hole, placing the top of the root ball a couple of inches higher than the ground. If your tree was container-grown and the roots are matted together, use a pocketknife to loosen the roots.

Shovel half the amended backfill in the hole until the tree stands upright on its own. Step away, and make sure it's straight with the best side facing forward. Make any adjustments before shoveling in the remaining backfill. While filling, occasionally stop to pack the soil down against the root ball with your foot.

Using your hands, shape loose soil into a circular mound around the tree. The bowl shape helps pool water, which trickles down onto the roots with minimal runoff. After planting, water thoroughly, allowing a hose to slowly drip at the tree's base for an hour or two. For the first few weeks, new trees need several soakings.