When planning a tree planting scheme for your garden, you will need to take the climate conditions of your garden into careful consideration. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the site exposed? Will the tree be subjected to strong winds?
• What are the temperature highs and lows?
• What levels of rainfall does the garden receive?
• What is the humidity level?

Check that the trees you choose are suited to your conditions; plants may vary in their requirements even within a single species. For example, some cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora will tolerate minimum temperatures ranging from -12°C to 6°C (10 to 43°F), whilst others will not.

If you live in an area that receives little rainfall (less than 25 cm (10 in) a year), you may find that any trees you plant do not grow particularly well. Most species prefer at least 1 m (40 in) of rainfall a year.

If your garden is often subjected to spring frosts, try to choose trees that come into leaf late, as frost will damage young growth. Trees that are not fully hardy should be planted in a sheltered site to protect them from winter frost, whilst tender plants should be planted in containers, so that they may be brought under cover during the cold winter months.