PLANTING A TREE

SITE SELECTION


Where you plant your tree will have an enormous impact on its future health. Trees are healthiest and most attractive when they are allowed to grow naturally to their full size and shape. Your site selection will be one of the most important considerations for tree planting success. Consider these conditions when evaluating a planting location:

Sunlight - seasonal angle, daily temperatures, full sun, part sun or shade
Barriers - buildings, sidewalks, power lines

TREE SELECTION


Choosing trees that are native to your region of the state, or that are very well adapted to your climate and conditions, greatly increases success. A tremendous selection of plants is available to meet almost any situation.

Be sure to consider site conditions when selecting a tree. Choose small trees for small areas. Place large or tall-growing trees in areas where there is plenty of room for the spread of roots and branches, and where the trees will have room to grow to maturity without severe pruning.

Decide what function the tree should have, such as shade, windbreak or accent. By knowing the conditions the plant must meet, it will make your choice easier. You should also consider the following when selecting a tree:

  1. What is the size at maturity?
  2. Is it adaptable with your environment?
  3. What are the tree maintenance requirements?
  4. Is it compatible with other plants in the landscape?
  5. Are you better off with an evergreen or deciduous tree given the trees purpose and location?

PLANTING A TREE


Most trees have a shallow spreading root system with a few anchor roots. University research shows that tree roots grow within the top two feet of the soil and spread well beyond the drip line of the tree.

When planting a tree:

  1. Till the soil in the planting site 4-5 times the diameter and no deeper than the root ball. The edges of the excavated area should be rough and sloping. Tilling soil will improve aeration and root growth.
  2. In the center of the tilled area, dig the planting hole twice as wide but only as deep as the root ball. A shallow hole prevents the tree from sinking and burying the tree trunk.
  3. Place the tree carefully into the planting hole. Gently slide the root ball out of the container, handling the plant by the root ball and not the trunk. Cut any circling roots.
  4. Backfill with native soil, no not compact the backfill. Over 30 studies on trees have been conducted in the past 15 years and none showed a consistent advantage to mixing compost or other organic amendment into the soil.
  5. If hand watering or using bubbler irrigation, form a berm just outside the root ball to create an irrigation well. Apply water within this area. if using a drip system, use 2-1 emitters to wet this same area. As the tree grows, expand the well. For irrigation, increase the number and distance of the emitters as the tree grows.
  6. Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to the entire tilled area. Keep mulch away from the tree trunk.