Make sure the tree's stem or trunk is straight and true.

There are almost as many reasons to plant a tree as there are kinds of trees to plant, as trees can provide shelter from the wind, shade from the sun, fruit or nuts to eat, or simply something beautiful to look at. If you've been planning to plant a tree in your yard, you'll want to start with a seedling that is in good condition, and determining this is as easy as remembering a few basic guidelines.

Growing up in the Heartland of America, Jeff Meyer was always in touch with nature, and planted his first tree with his parents at age five. After graduating from college, Meyer worked in sales, but a desire to work closely with nature eventually led him to devote his time and effort to saving trees. Meyer is currently the Director of the American Forests Historic Trees Project, an effort that includes planting and nurturing trees grown from the seeds of the nation's most historically significant trees. Here he offers some basic advice for selecting and planting a tree:

• Roots.When looking at trees in your local nursery, the most important thing to consider is the condition of the roots. A tree it only as strong and healthy as its roots system, which not only supports the tree but provides it with sustenance. Take the tree out of its container and examine the roots. If they are beginning to circle, you'll have to cut them, as this circling effect is not what you want.

• Stem.Next, take a look at the stem. You'll want a tree with a very straight stem. Make sure that any pruning marks are well healed, and that the tree has a nice, tall central leader.

• When to plant.According to Meyer, the best time to plant a tree, especially one that loses its leaves in the winter, is before or after the season when the tree is full of leaves. Plant in late fall when the other trees have lost their foliage or in late winter before the spring leaves have grown. This will give the roots time to rest in the ground and store up energy so you will have a beautiful first year of growing.

For more information about buying and planting trees, check out the following organizations or websites:

American Forests
www.americanforests.org/

Treelink
www.treelink.org/