Plant Trees Now for Greater Success
Even though the weather has turned cold and your landscape has started its winter nap, this is a great time to plant a new tree. This time of year will help your new tree experience less of a transitional shock. Your new tree will be in the ground and ready to start giving many years of shade and beauty once spring rolls around.
When purchasing a new tree, here a few items to consider:
- Select a tree with a straight, single leader
- Avoid damaged bark and broken limbs
- If the tree is dormant, scratch the bark on a twig to make sure it is moist and green inside
- Make sure the root ball is moist and the roots are not exposed or circling
- The root ball should be ten inches wide for each inch in trunk diameter
- The soil in the root ball should be consistent with the soil of the planting area if at all possible
Now, it's time to plant your tree in the yard. Look for overhead power lines, look to the sides for fences or buildings to ensure it will not have a confined area for the roots to grow into. Dig a hole two to three times the size of the root ball. The hole needs to be deep enough for the top of the root ball to be even with the ground or slightly above. Partially fill your hole and with a slow running garden hose, flood the hole to have any air pockets removed from the soil. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with the soil from the hole. Finally, add 3-4 inches of mulch around the tree but keep mulch away from the trunk.
These steps will aid in the success of having a long living and happy tree.