Plant trees correctly

Trees are very important to our world. They help with landscape aesthetics, shade, food production, wildlife habitat and much more. Now is a great time to plant a tree. Correct planting and post-planting care will ensure a long-lived tree.

Diversity

Deciding what tree to plant is very important and can be a difficult decision because there are so many trees to choose from. Choose diversity in your tree selection. Look around your yard and the neighborhood to ensure the same species are not overplanted. Try to stick to no more than 5% from any one genus in the area to reduce potential pest problems through all the trees in the area.

Correct Planting

The most important factor to keep in mind when planting trees is planting correctly to ensure healthy growth. First, remove all of the burlap and any other materials from the root ball before planting. Also remove any tags, twine or wire from the tree. Remember to remove all the grass and weeds that are within the area you will be planting the tree.

Once you have found the roots of the tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider and no deeper than the root ball and loosen up the sides of the hole. Do not loosen up the bottom of the planting hole, as this can cause the tree to end up too deep in the ground. Trees planted too deeply will not develop a root flare and will likely die within 10 to 15 years following planting. Plant the tree so that first lateral roots are just below the soil surface.

Finally, backfill with the existing soil that was removed when the hole was dug. Do not amend the soil with peat moss, compost or planter box mix, as this can lead to circling and girdling roots.

Make sure that the entire root ball is covered with soil to avoid drying out. Lightly push on the soil around the root ball – do not tamp down on the soil too hard or it can compact the soil pores and reduce space for water and oxygen to move around the roots.

Care of Trees

A mulch ring should be established and maintained around every tree. Mulch helps to keep the roots cool in summer and regulated to a uniform temperature through winter. Mulch will also help keep weeds down and reduce competition of water and nutrients from turf and other plants. Mulch also reduces damage to the trunks of trees from lawn mowers and trimmers. Organic mulch is a way to hold moisture for use later by the tree.

Mulch rings should be only two to three inches deep and in a circle around the tree at least two to three feet out. Organic mulches are a better choice than inorganic mulches. This mulch will need to be renewed every year to maintain an effective layer because it will break down over the growing season, which will improve the soil. Mulch should be placed starting four to six inches away from the trunk and extended as far into the landscape as is practical.

Keep the roots of newly planted trees well-watered; moist, not soggy or dry. Always water newly planted trees, shrubs or any other plant immediately after planting. This allows soil to settle and helps avoid roots drying out. You may need to slice the soil in around the roots as the water infiltrates around the root ball.

Trees should be watered every seven to 14 days throughout the growing season and less often during winter on warmer days. Each watering should be a slow irrigation that allows moisture to infiltrate the soil to the bottom of the roots. Use a soaker hose wrapped around the tree, a small sprinkler or a hose on a slow trickle in the middle of the drip zone of the tree.

The best way to determine if a tree needs to be watered is to insert a soil probe or 12-inch-long screwdriver into the ground around the tree. If it goes in easily there is no need to water; if it is difficult at any point, then water is necessary.

Article courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln