What should people know when planting a new tree? Knowing the characteristics of a tree at full growth is important when planting a new tree. When asked about what people should know when planting a new...
When asked about what people should know when planting a new tree, our panel of top experts from Greenview Landscaping including Johanna who has been a landscape designer with the company since 2002, Ben who is a landscape design/build manager, and Tom who serves as the company's maintenance manager, says, "First you need to know how large the tree is going to get. For example, you don't want to plant a large tree next to a building or close to other trees if it is going to cause problems." It is obvious that you should never plant a large tree under or near power lines, but some people don't think about how wide the roots of the tree may get. Typically, they will spread as wide as the canopy and sometimes even wider. Not only does this pose the risk of the roots cracking nearby sidewalks and driveways, but it is also important to the overall growth and health of the tree that they have ample room for spreading to their full potential.
The panel of experts goes on to state, "When planting the tree, you have to make sure that the hole you dig, as far as the width, is twice the size of the root ball. As far as depth, you want to make sure that the root ball is at the surface of the ground. You do not want to bury the root ball too deep. You want to make sure, when the tree is planted, to add a mulch ring around it, which can hold moisture in." You also need to keep mulch and any compost at the level of where the flare of the trunk meets the roots. If you pile up too much mulch and compost around the base of the trunk, the moisture may rot the bark and in turn, you could lose the tree. "Tree Wraps" (a thick paper that is meant to protect trees during winter) are also not widely recommended for a long period of use for this same reason; after several months it may begin to rot the bark.
The panel of experts says that you also may "want to stake (the tree) down to protect it from high winds..... It depends on the site conditions, they might not be necessary on a protected location." For example "The general size tree that we plant is a 2 inch diameter tree, generally about 12 feet tall, and it's probably in the neighborhood of six or seven years old. If it's a windy area, then you want to keep the stakes in for a year-and-a-half. If the wind blows frequently, the little roots are going to continually become dislodged and this is going to harm the tree. If it's in a protected area and doesn't get a lot of wind, you can stake it for maybe a year."
The most important thing that people should know when planting a new tree is that it can be a very delicate process. From proper fertilization, so that you do not damage the young roots, to the correct depth that it should be planted at, as well as other "small" details that makes a world of difference in growing a thriving tree or a sickly one. As always, when in doubt, consult a professional to ensure a healthy beginning.
