Planting a new tree?
Consider site and steps beforehand
by Gary Farris - May 2006
To learn more about proper tree planting or for advice about what type of tree to plant, contact Gary Farris. Gary is a Certified Arborist for Ryan Lawn and Tree. He can be reached a 913-381-1505.In Kansas City and around the nation, many metropolitan residents take trees for granted. Our beautiful city would be quite dismal without its trees.
We enjoy many benefits from trees. They provide shade for homes and playgrounds, habitats for wildlife, control for water runoff and erosion and a sense of establishment. Trees give a community an appearance of age and permanence. They give us a comfortable environment to live, work, and play.
Like it or not, we all influence our city’s treescape. How do we have a positive influence? Plant a tree properly, then care for it to maximize growth potential.
When planting a tree, consider the area where you will be planting. Look up for overhead utilities, existing tree limbs or the eve of your house. Call to locate underground utilities. Then, let the site help you decide the species you will plant. For example, Bald Cypress will do well in a wet area, whereas Blue Spruce will not. Redbud is an under-story tree and an Austrian Pine is best in full sun.
Once the species is decided, consider the natural structure for the species, so you can select a good specimen. Be sure to examine the root flare before making a purchase. The root flare is the transition zone where the first main root originates from the trunk. This zone should be at or no more than 1-inch below the soil. If it is deeper, or not visible at all, do not purchase the tree.
Measure the distance from the root flare to the bottom of the container or root ball once you get the tree to the planting site. Also, measure across the top of the container or root ball for the diameter. Dig the planting hole only as deep as the root ball height and three times wider than the diameter. Leave the edges of the hole rough, not glazed. Place the tree in the hole and double check the depth; adjust as needed. Step back and view the tree’s placement from several vantage points. When you are happy with placement and depth, remove the container, burlap, wire basket, twine or any other material from the tree.
Usually, there is no need to amend the backfill soil. If you do amend the soil, do not add more than 25 percent organic matter by volume.
Have a water source available for the backfill process. Fill one-third of the hole and water in. Repeat until backfill is complete. Watering backfill will eliminate big air pockets and settle the soil in one simple step. This eliminates the need to compact the soil with your foot.
Stake trees only when necessary (for added support in windy sites or trees with weak trunks). Trees develop stronger roots and trunks when allowed to sway in the wind during the establishment period. For this reason, do not stake too tight.
For maximum efficiency, properly mulch a newly planted tree. Mulch rings should extend two to six feet from the trunk. The mulch should be three to four inches thick at the outside of the ring decreasing toward the middle. There should be no mulch-to-trunk contact. Mulching with organic matter like wood chips or bark will reduce weed and turf competition and reduce the chance for mower or trimmer damage. However, improper mulching is just as bad as planting a tree too deep. Too much mulch will limit oxygen in the soil, which will cause root dieback and eventual tree death.
Many believe that fertilizing a newly planted tree will cause damage to the roots. However, research has shown that a slow-release fertilizer applied at the proper rate will increase root mass and overall tree vigor.
Death of newly planted trees is caused most often by improper planting and improper watering. Too much or too little water causes: wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, shoot and root dieback. Monitor moisture levels by taking a soil sample with a trowel. Squeeze the soil. If it crumbles, it is too dry; if free water comes out, the soil is too wet.
Tree planting can be a fun and rewarding experience or a source of great frustration. When doing it yourself, or paying a landscaper to plant your trees, always double check correct planting depth and mulch level. A properly planted tree will give enjoyment for generations to come.