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Successful Tree Planting
Jun 13, 2011 01:29 PM
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Time to Plant Trees!
With the arrival of spring, our thoughts turn to the outdoors and especially those landscaping projects that we've been planning. Maybe National Arbor Day inspires us to planting a tree in our yard. As an arborist, I sometimes cringe to think of how many trees that are planted are doomed to an early death just because a few basic principles were not followed during planting.
Planting Successfully
Most people would be surprised to hear that only 20% of plant problems and especially tree problems are due to insects or pests! So what about solving the other 80%? That comes from abiotic problems, not where a pathogen or insect is involved, but the whole planting environment. That has more to do with choosing the right plant and using the right procedures and providing the right soil conditions at planting. Properly mulching a plant or tree after planting is also critical for its success.
Choosing the Right Place
Planting the right plant in the right place may sound trivial but it is critical for a plant to thrive. Each plant prefers (and is genetically programmed based on its native habitat) a certain set of conditions for it to do well. Variables for a planting location can include sun or shade, hot or cool, high or low pH soil, wet or dry, soil volume, as well as height restrictions including city ordinances. Ignoring specific needs of a plant will likely prove futile.
Seeing the Root Crown
It is amazing to me how much of the time people have the impression that the deeper at tree is planted, the better it will do. I personally believe that well over 50% of trees that I observe are planted too deep and this includes those planted by professional landscapers. And the result will be a declining and eventually dying tree.
The root crown or root flare, that is the base of the tree where it flares out, is a very important spot to understand. This is where the trunk ends and the roots begin, and should be located about 1-2 inches above the soil level. When buying a balled and burlapped tree, this flare may be as much as 3- 4 inches down into the root ball. Finding the flare and properly placing it slightly above grade level (a little more in heavier soils) is vital. If the tree is established, the flare should be visible and if not, excavation of soil away from the tree is necessary to prevent root crown rot. We can provide much more detail about tree root crowns and avoiding root crown problems for anyone who requests it.
Benefits of Tree Mulching
One way to simulate a tree's native habitat is to cover as much of the root zone area as possible with organic mulch. Mulching depth should be a 2-4 inch layer of preferably organic material over the root zone. Benefits of this organic mulch is very significant and includes moisture retention, root temperature reduction, additional nutrients through decomposition, elimination of mower/trimmer contact, increased microbial and beneficial fungus activity, and numerous other positive effects. New methods of dying mulch products also provide an aesthetically pleasing look to mulched areas.
I am confident that your tree success will be increased dramatically by assuring these simple three things are covered when you plant. Who knows, your tree may just reach out and give you a hug for having done them!
Successful Tree Planting
Time to Plant Trees!
Planting Successfully
Most people would be surprised to hear that only 20% of plant problems and especially tree problems are due to insects or pests! So what about solving the other 80%? That comes from abiotic problems, not where a pathogen or insect is involved, but the whole planting environment. That has more to do with choosing the right plant and using the right procedures and providing the right soil conditions at planting. Properly mulching a plant or tree after planting is also critical for its success.
Choosing the Right Place
Planting the right plant in the right place may sound trivial but it is critical for a plant to thrive. Each plant prefers (and is genetically programmed based on its native habitat) a certain set of conditions for it to do well. Variables for a planting location can include sun or shade, hot or cool, high or low pH soil, wet or dry, soil volume, as well as height restrictions including city ordinances. Ignoring specific needs of a plant will likely prove futile.
Seeing the Root Crown
It is amazing to me how much of the time people have the impression that the deeper at tree is planted, the better it will do. I personally believe that well over 50% of trees that I observe are planted too deep and this includes those planted by professional landscapers. And the result will be a declining and eventually dying tree.
The root crown or root flare, that is the base of the tree where it flares out, is a very important spot to understand. This is where the trunk ends and the roots begin, and should be located about 1-2 inches above the soil level. When buying a balled and burlapped tree, this flare may be as much as 3- 4 inches down into the root ball. Finding the flare and properly placing it slightly above grade level (a little more in heavier soils) is vital. If the tree is established, the flare should be visible and if not, excavation of soil away from the tree is necessary to prevent root crown rot. We can provide much more detail about tree root crowns and avoiding root crown problems for anyone who requests it.
Benefits of Tree Mulching
One way to simulate a tree's native habitat is to cover as much of the root zone area as possible with organic mulch. Mulching depth should be a 2-4 inch layer of preferably organic material over the root zone. Benefits of this organic mulch is very significant and includes moisture retention, root temperature reduction, additional nutrients through decomposition, elimination of mower/trimmer contact, increased microbial and beneficial fungus activity, and numerous other positive effects. New methods of dying mulch products also provide an aesthetically pleasing look to mulched areas.
I am confident that your tree success will be increased dramatically by assuring these simple three things are covered when you plant. Who knows, your tree may just reach out and give you a hug for having done them!