Proper landscaping and tree planting are critical components of the atmosphere, livability, and ecological quality of a community’s urban forest. Tree species need to be evaluated for factors such as size, disease and pest resistance, seed or fruit set, and availability. Trees should also be selected for aesthetic and functional characteristics, as well as their ability to thrive in the soil and climate conditions of the proposed location. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. provides insight into these conditions. The hardiness zones differ slightly for the four communities: