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 Select a tree suited to the growing conditions,
your landscape design and available space. Make sure it tolerates
the sunlight, soil and temperature extremes. Check the tag for the
mature height and spread. You’ll have a better-looking plant that
always fits the space with minimal pruning.
Avoid planting near overhead utilities since trees and power lines
make for a dangerous combination. Contact your underground utility
locating service at least three business days before placing the
first shovel in the ground. It’s free and all you need to do is call
811 or file an online request.
Once the area is marked, you can get busy planting. Ensure your tree
thrives for many years to come with proper planting. Dig a saucer
shaped hole three to five times wider than the root ball. It should
only be as deep as the distance from the root flare to the bottom of
the root ball. The root flare, where the roots bend away from the
trunk, should always be at or slightly above the soil surface.
Set the tree in the hole, then peel back and cut away any burlap and
wire cages. These can eventually constrict root growth. Roughen the
sides of the hole and backfill with the existing soil. Water
thoroughly to moisten the roots and surrounding soil.
Continue to water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are
crumbly and moist. Proper watering, especially during the first two
years, is critical for establishing trees. Watering thoroughly as
needed encourages deep roots and a more drought tolerant and pest
resistant tree.
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Monitor soil moisture near the trunk and beyond the
rootball. Since many containerized trees are grown in soilless mix,
the rootball dries out more quickly than the surrounding soil.
Adjust your watering technique and schedule to accommodate this
difference.
Mulch the soil surface with a two- to three-inch layer of woodchips
or shredded bark to conserve water, suppress weeds and improve the
soil as it decomposes. Pull the mulch back from the trunk of the
tree to avoid disease problems.
Remove any tags that can eventually girdle the tree
and prune out any broken or rubbing branches. Wait a year to
fertilize and two years, once the tree is established, for
additional pruning.
Continue providing tender loving care for at least the first two
years. Make regular checkups, prune to create a strong structure,
and keep grass, weeds and lawn care equipment away from the trunk
throughout the lifetime of your tree. Your efforts will be rewarded
with years of beauty and shade.
Gardening expert Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of
horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening. Myers is the host of The Great
Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally
syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a
columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine.
Myers’ website is www.melindamyers.com.
[Photo credit: MelindaMyers.com ] |
