Tree Planting Tips.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREE

            First of all choose a tree that looks good and is free of signs of disease or insects. Make sure the foliage is green and not drooping or yellowed. If bareroot, you will need to plant the tree immediately. However, you can heel it in temporarily by angling the plant across the ground and completely covering the plant’s roots in soil until you have time or the weather clears enough to plant. Balled and burlapped plants are usually more expensive and larger. Sometimes the burlap should be unwrapped prior to planting if it is rot proof. 

            Make sure the tree or will fit the space you have provided when it matures. Note how large the plant will become when mature and keep it at least one-half  of this distance from property lines or buildings.

            Containerized tree or shrub roots should be inspected. Tip the container and make sure the soil does not fall away from the root ball or that the mass of roots have not formed a tight circular form girdling the roots. Make sure the plant has been properly watered and that it has good form.

PUTTING IT IN THE GROUND

            Once you have made your choice it’s time to get your tree in the ground. The best way to explain it has been around a long time. Dig a $100 hole for a $20 tree. In other words, dig that hole large enough that the tree can extend its root system easily for the first couple of years and water can easily penetrate.

BAREROOT PLANTS

            For bareroot trees, soak in water after arrival for 12-24 hours. When planting, spread the roots around over a mound of soil in the bottom of your hole, backfill with loose soil, patting firmly around the roots. Fill to the top, leaving a shallow depression to water the plant. Apply a 2-inch mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and keep the planting weed free and easier to mow around.

CONTAINER PLANTS

            For container plants, soak the container until the root ball is saturated. Score the roots about ½ inch at intervals around the container. Dig your hole twice as wide as the container, making sure the top of the root ball is just below the surface to allow for watering.  Then mulch the plant.

B&B PLANTS

            In B&B plants, make sure the soil ball is wet before you plant. If the burlap is plastic or something that will not rot, unwrap the roots.  Again dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball and deep enough that the upper roots are just below the soil surface, backfill around the ball, forming a basin at the top to allow for watering. Mulch around your plant

STAKING NOT NECESSARY       

            Unless your plant is in a very windy area, it is not necessary to stake it. Studies have found that plants do better if they are not staked.

WATERING YOUR PLANTS

            The first year your new tree or shrub should be watered each week if no rain comes. After that first year supplemental water usually is only needed during periods of drought.

NEVER TOP TREES

            And, never, NEVER, NEVER top a tree. This practice causes a tree to weaken and decline and eventually die.

NO NEED TO FERTILIZE

            Too much nitrogen fertilizer may cause your tree to grow too fast, making it more disease susceptible. You do not have to fertilize your tree at all, although applying a mulch of grass clippings or compost will release some nutrients, but much slower and better for the plant.

Happy Gardening!

The Clean and Green Team