Assume you have been asked to recommend a shade tree for planting on the west side of a moderately expensive, two-story home in Pullman, WA.   A shade tree must be able to survive many years to become large enough to provide shade and to provide shade for many years after that, so be sure your selection is hardy. 

• The client is concerned about the rate at which we are removing water from our aquifer, so the client requests a water-conserving tree.  The tree will receive sufficient water to become established, but the tree must survive with greatly reduced irrigation after establishment. 

• The soil is good (not heavy clay or very sandy). 

• The client wants the tree to be tall and wide enough to shade the west side of the home, but not so tall and wide that it shades most of the yard. 

• The client likes bright flowers and fall colors.  Pleasant fragrance is a plus. 

• The client wants something unusual.  To be sure the tree is unusual, do not select any plant that is on any Hort 231 Plant List (see web pages for lists). 

a)  A Business Letter:  Type a business letter to the client to explain your selection.  Include the scientific and common names of the tree you have decided to recommend.  Tell the client why you recommend it.  What are the aesthetic and cultural features of the tree that should cause the client to agree that you have found the perfect tree?  Include any specific maintenance information the client may need to know to grow the plant successfully. Be thorough. 

b)  A Reference List:  Type complete citations (using the format shown on Citation Information ) for all of the references that you used to obtain information on your selection.  After each reference, include a sentence or two that describes how useful it was for this assignment.