The Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail's catch phrase, Right Tree • Right Place • Right Reason, serves as an easy reminder to do some research and ask some questions before selecting and investing in a tree. This will help to ensure a successful long-term outcome that costs less to maintain, gives confidence that the chosen tree will fulfill its intended purpose, and avoids unintended problems as it grows.
Choosing the Right Tree
Learning a few key facts about a tree can help you choose the right tree for your project, location and budget. Consider why you are planting a tree, the tree’s role in the landscape, and what it will need to grow and thrive. Soil types, depth, and moisture content vary widely in this region and are a key factor in tree selection.
Allow adequate room for the tree to grow to its natural height and width that considers proper spacing between trees and permanent elements like sidewalks, buildings, utilities in the ground and above, and aesthetics.
A tree can live between fifteen and hundreds of years, depending on genus and species, so time spent considering these factors is well spent.
The Forest Trail exhibit’s theme and focus is encouraging people to choose and plant trees regionally native to Central Texas because these trees are well adapted to Austin’s local conditions, sustain local wildlife, and are in keeping with its local identity. Wherever you live, please consider planting trees native to your location.
Why an Urban Forest is Vital
Austin’s urban forest—its tree canopy—is vital to water and air quality and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect. It’s a healthy and sustainable mix of trees, vegetation, and other components that comprise a contiguous and thriving ecosystem valued, protected, and cared for by the City and all of its citizens as an essential environmental, economic, and community asset.
Funding for the trail generously provided by a City of Austin - Urban Forest Grant. The Urban Forest Grant (UFG) has been established to promote conservation and improvement projects that benefit Austin’s urban forest.