Properly Planted Trees Will Thrive
It’s not only crucial to handle and plant a tree properly
for it to survive – it also needs protection.
Friday, July 29, 2005
You’d be surprised at just how important it is to plant a
tree correctly. A properly planted tree requires a lot less management than a
tree that is planted improperly. More importantly, a tree that is planted
correctly will be healthier and more tolerant of adverse conditions.
Before buying your tree, investigate what type of tree
will grow well where you live. Consider where the tree will be planted. Will
it get a lot of light? Will it be placed in a shaded area? If you need help
choosing a tree, talk to the owner of your local nursery or a county extension
agent. They are valuable sources of information.
When you go to select a tree, be sure to choose one
that's the right size. If you think bigger is better, think again. Smaller
trees establish root systems faster than larger trees and are more likely to
survive. Plus, they're cheaper to buy.
When you purchase a tree, also buy the materials that can
protect it, such as a kit that edges and protects your tree.
Be careful when transporting your tree home. Never pick
it up by the trunk, rather, lift it from the root ball. Once you get ready to
dig at home, remember to not plant the tree too deeply. A good rule of thumb
is to dig planting holes two to three times wider than the root ball and the
same depth.
Once the tree is in the ground, an edge kit would be
useful. First, lay the weed-block down around the base of the newly planted
tree. Then, place Fiber Edge around the planting hole’s perimeter, pound it
into the ground with a rubber mallet, and secure it with metal stakes. Now add
a couple of inches of mulch inside the ring. Form a well in the mulch at the
base of the tree to avoid moist bark conditions that can lead to decay. The
WeedBlock and mulch will conserve moisture, discourage weeds and regulate soil
temperatures. The Fiber Edge ring will prevent damage from lawn equipment like
mowers and string trimmers, and hold in the mulch.
After your tree is planted, water and fertilize it well.
Young trees need more water than established ones, so be sure yours get enough
to drink. Trees need the equivalent of one inch of rainfall every week.
With just a little bit of planning and the right
products, you can rest assured that your newly planted tree will thrive.
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