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Tree Planting and Care Tips and Techniques
Think of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your trees and landscape thrives and grows, depends on the type of tree and location you select for planting. The care provided when the tree is planted and the care the tree receives after planting is very important.
The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant season. In the fall after the leaves drop or early spring before budding are the best times to plant. The weather is cool, which allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulates new top growth.
Trees properly cared for in the nursery or garden center, are given the appropriate care during transport to prevent damage. These plants can be planted throughout the growing season. Proper handling during planting is essential to ensure a healthy life for new trees and shrubs.
Before you begin planting your tree, be sure know where your underground utilities are located prior to digging.
Whether the tree you are planting is balled and burlap, or bare root, understand the root system has been reduced by 90 to 95% of its original size during transplanting. The stress caused by the digging and removal process results in transplant shock. Proper care allows the tree to quickly establish in its new location.
PLANTING TIPS
- It is best to plant bare root trees immediately. This will keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you unable to plant immediately due to weather or soil conditions, store your trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.
- Unpack your tree and soak it in water for 3 to 6 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to the roots, and do not allow the roots to dry out.
- Unpack tree and soak in water 3 to 6 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.
- Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole while firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments.
- Fill in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly packed. Make a water holding basin around the tree and give the tree plenty of water.
- After the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch deep protective mulch area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree. Do not allow the mulch to touch the tree.
- Water the tree generously every week during the first year.
Provide follow-up care. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Over-watering can cause leaves to turn yellow or fall off. Water trees at least once a week and more frequently during hot weather. When the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue until mid fall compensating for cooler temperatures that require less frequent watering.
Other maintenance and care may include minor pruning of branches damaged during the planting process. Prune sparingly immediately after planting and wait to begin corrective and shaping pruning after a full season of growth in the new location.
Contact Cutting Costs Tree Service of West Michigan for More Information - (616) 895-4790
