Tree Selection Guide
Long before Idaho received its statehood in 1890, pioneers began the task of planting trees throughout Boise to improve community appearance and provide cool shade in an otherwise harsh desert frontier. Today, thousands of trees grace our city thanks to their efforts and the more recent commitment of Boise's citizens and Boise Community Forestry. Together, our awareness of and love for the trees and their many benefits has helped Boise live up to its reputation as "The City of Trees".
Originally published in 1998, the Tree Selection Guide has assisted many people with the sometimes challenging but always rewarding experience of choosing the right species of trees for a landscape. Boise Community Forestry is in the process of creating a new Tree Selection Guide, but in the meantime, we have made the "old" guide available for free! You can simply browse trees individually by clicking the links below or download a copy of the entire guide to print. In order to view these pages, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can also view or download entire guide (13 MB). Please enjoy and plant more trees!
Class I Trees - small trees, usually flowering
Class II Trees - medium sized shade trees
Class III Trees - large shade trees
Conifers - needle bearing trees
Trees Prohibited on Public Right-of-Way
Other Information/Reference
Introduction/Trees...A Boise Heritage
How to Use This Guide/Tree Forms
Symbols in the Guide
Hardiness Zones/Street Tree Planting/Planning
Tree Planting Instructions
Maintaining Healthy Trees (Watering, Mulching, etc.)
Maintaining Healthy Trees (Fertilizing, Pruning, Pests)