Trenda (Carter) Leavitt ’88 is a licensed landscape architect who holds a B.A. in fine art from Roanoke College and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech. She owns her own business, Beechgrove Design Landscape Architecture, and she has taught adjunct classes at Virginia Tech and Ferrum College.
Q: How can selection of tree species maximize ecological benefits?
Trees provide year-round environmental and aesthetic benefits for outdoor spaces. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, clean the air, provide habitat and shade, absorb and filter stormwater and much more.
You can maximize these benefits by selecting native species from your ecoregion. Native species have adapted over thousands (sometimes millions) of years to these unique conditions, and in general will be resilient when planted in a similar habitat. 
A keystone species is a foundational native plant within ecoregions. They provide the maximum food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife, promote biodiversity, and support the highest number of insect and wildlife species. Many non-native cultivar trees offer minimal or no benefits to pollinators and wildlife. Find keystone, native or nativar trees that offer features you desire. Evaluate tree characteristics; disease/insect/wood issues; ultimate size, shape, sun/water needs; and root systems to determine if the tree is appropriate for your setting.
Keystone trees within the Eastern Temperate Forest are the native species of oak, cherry, birch, maple and willow. Thoughtful selection of tree species will positively transform your space and maximize environmental benefits, now and in the future.