Sitting on the back deck with a shade tree is wonderful thing. However, if you don't have any shade you need to break out your shovel and put on your work clothes - its time to plant a tree! Often people wonder, "How hard can it be to plant tree? Dig a hole right?". True, you do need to dig a hole but it is a bit more complex than that.
First, plant the tree during the cool parts of the year. Typically, this means early spring or fall.
Second, decide where you would like to plant. Be aware of any unique properties of your tree and plant appropriately. For instance, willow trees are drawn to water and planting one near your septic system is a recipe for disaster as the roots will clog it up. You might want a mulberry tree but planting one near porches or often used walkways can make for quite a mess. The berries will drop from the tree and accumulate making walking a very squishy endeavor.
Also, be sure to plant the tree with enough space to accommodate it when it is mature. Planting a little maple right up against the house might look nice when the tree is small but a 20' tall maple right up against the house is totally different matter.
Third, dig a hole. You want the hole to be larger than the root ball. The soil you fill in around the root ball will be easier for the roots to grow into and help the tree get a more solid root system more quickly. Aim to have the hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball but bigger is better.
Make sure the hole is higher in the middle by a few inches to allow water to more easily drain from the roots. Having a tree sitting in water is very unhealthy and can cause a newly planted tree to die. The ground level of the root ball should be level with the surrounding ground when the tree is sitting on the high spot in the hole.
Fourth, remove the covering around the root ball. This might be a plastic pot that will slip off or you might need to cut it off. Larger trees will typically have burlap or similar material around their root ball which will need to be cut. It is best to remove the covering right next to hole so that you do not need to carry the tree far. Plant quickly once the roots are exposed since the air can tend to dry them out.
Fifth, place the tree in the hole and backfill around the root ball. To give your tree an extra strong start, you might make a mixture of 3/4 soil and 1/4 compost. Tamp the soil down around the tree. Use a fertilizer if you desire by following the instructions on the package.
Sixth, water the tree using the ratio of one gallon of water for every 6-8" inches of height on the tree. The soil should be backfilled again as it will settle some after the watering.
Seventh, cover the ground around the tree with several inches of mulch. The keeps weeks down and holds in moisture. The mulch should extend out to the drip line which is a circle on the ground directly below the circumference of the trees branches.
Eighth, stake the tree to keep it from blowing over in the wind. Place the stake on the side of the tree from which the winds usually blows. Do not tie the string or rope too tightly or it will cut into the bark.
Ninth, water the tree again. You will need to water frequently until the tree becomes established. Watering weekly is a good guide.
Finally, step back and admire your handiwork. You have taken the first steps toward making your lawn look even more beautiful - and providing a bit of shade to boot!
For more information on irrigation for your newly planted tree visit Advanced Irrigation or call 612.599.8675 today.
Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Advanced Irrigation. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.
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