TIPS FOR USING THE DATABASE

Before you choose woodland species, you need to understand your site. Soil type, soil moisture, topography, light conditions, etc. will determine what plants will grow there. Go to Study the Site, or you can check out the Glossary of Terms.

To find out which woodland community might match your site conditions, go to A Good Fit and/or Woodland Plant Community Models.

Then, use the woodland database to find plants that match your site.

Use "advanced search" to select your community from the drop down list. The database will bring up a list of all species associated with that woodland community.

If your site is drastically altered due to construction or degraded from compaction, erosion problems, or excess salt, adjust your selection to fit current site conditions. For example, if the soil is compacted choose species from the list that can tolerate compacted soil.

There are many choices for a restoration. The key is to select species that will survive in your site, are ecologically appropriate, and meet the goals of your project. Go to Woodland Species Selection for a useful guide to developing a realistic species list.