Selection

 According to what you want the tree to do. The benefit will be fewer maintenance costs and an increase in the tree’s landscape value. 

 According to mature size (both above and below ground) in order to fit the tree to the planting space. 

 According to the soil pH and fertility. 

 According to the type of sun and wind exposure it will receive. 

According to the amount of drainage. Trees need oxygen to develop and thrive. Poor drainage can deplete the oxygen in the soil. 

 According to the amount of human activity that will affect the tree. Statistics show that people are a large factor in tree death. 

 According to the space available to the tree for growth to maturity (above and below ground). 

According to the tree’s ability to survive in the extreme temperatures of the area (your zone range).