A Tree Planting Guide
from web site
When planting trees, the first thing you need to take into consideration before selecting a location may be the mature height and spread of the tree. Though you could be tempted by all the different species that are available, take care to choose carefully, particularly if you have the average size yard, because crowding spoils the growth and appearance of trees, particularly specimen trees.
It is typically most economical to plant young trees. Planting a mature tree is difficult and may be costly if done professionally. This could justify the trouble, however, if a mature tree is badly needed for a terrace or for screening. Everything you are paying or may be the time it takes a smaller tree to mature.
The best time to transplant a tree is in the first spring or late fall. It is possible to plant trees in full leaf with the aid of wilt-proof sprays that seal the leaves against moisture loss before roots are established, but this costs money and entails greater risks than buying your tree and planting it in planting season.
When planting a tree over 6 feet in height, it will suffer less setback if moved with a bur lapped root ball.
Because tree removal services Elk Grove CA needs fertile soil when it is planted, special steps should be taken. Dig the hole 2 feet deep and at the very least 1 foot wider compared to the full spread of the roots in each direction. The bottom should be broken up with a pitchfork and thoroughly mixed with peat, leaf mold, loam, etc.
Manure may be used sparingly and should only be spread at the top of the hole or it could burn the roots. The deeper you cultivate the hole, the better for your tree. Once planted, you can cultivate around it however, not under the roots. In the event that you hit a layer of building debris or clay, which is never uncommon near a house, you must remove this layer and replace it with good soil, or better still, garden humus.
Should you be planting a bare root seedling, you should protect it by "heeling in" a vacant flower bed where it might be kept before planting provided that it is dormant.
This means laying it on its side at an angle to the bottom and covering the roots with good soil. When you are ready to take it from the soil, give it a mud bath or "puddle" it. This protects the roots from exposure to air before planting and also from any air pockets which might exist around the roots after planting. After filling the hole to the depth required by the roots of the plant, flood it with water to stay the soil in the bottom; when it has drained away, place the tree in the position in which it is to grow and fill in the soil around it.
Work the soil round the roots utilizing a stick or shovel handle, and make certain there are no air pockets. Spread the roots naturally, planting the tree at round the same depth as its former location. When the hole is two-thirds, of the way full, tramp it down and fill with water again. Complete the remaining soil without tramping it down, in order that the water will drain towards the trunk.
A balled-and-bur lapped tree is one which has been dug with a solid ball of soil where it has been growing in, its root system is thus amply covered and protected. The ball is held set up by a secure covering of burlap and twine. To plant it, set the tree in a hole slightly lower than it stood in the nursery. Work the soil beneath this depth, as described previously.
If the bottom is dry, fill the hole with water and let it soak in before planting. Cut the burlap at the top once you put the tree in place, and roll it back a few inches. You'll plant the burlap and all. The burlap will soon rot away.
After the tree is planted you can cut it back sharply. If necessary brace the tree with wire ropes. For the initial year, the more cultivation around the tree the better, keeping weeds away, too, with straw or mulch, in the spring and fall can help keep the moisture in the bottom.
It is typically most economical to plant young trees. Planting a mature tree is difficult and may be costly if done professionally. This could justify the trouble, however, if a mature tree is badly needed for a terrace or for screening. Everything you are paying or may be the time it takes a smaller tree to mature.
The best time to transplant a tree is in the first spring or late fall. It is possible to plant trees in full leaf with the aid of wilt-proof sprays that seal the leaves against moisture loss before roots are established, but this costs money and entails greater risks than buying your tree and planting it in planting season.
When planting a tree over 6 feet in height, it will suffer less setback if moved with a bur lapped root ball.
Because tree removal services Elk Grove CA needs fertile soil when it is planted, special steps should be taken. Dig the hole 2 feet deep and at the very least 1 foot wider compared to the full spread of the roots in each direction. The bottom should be broken up with a pitchfork and thoroughly mixed with peat, leaf mold, loam, etc.
Manure may be used sparingly and should only be spread at the top of the hole or it could burn the roots. The deeper you cultivate the hole, the better for your tree. Once planted, you can cultivate around it however, not under the roots. In the event that you hit a layer of building debris or clay, which is never uncommon near a house, you must remove this layer and replace it with good soil, or better still, garden humus.
Should you be planting a bare root seedling, you should protect it by "heeling in" a vacant flower bed where it might be kept before planting provided that it is dormant.
This means laying it on its side at an angle to the bottom and covering the roots with good soil. When you are ready to take it from the soil, give it a mud bath or "puddle" it. This protects the roots from exposure to air before planting and also from any air pockets which might exist around the roots after planting. After filling the hole to the depth required by the roots of the plant, flood it with water to stay the soil in the bottom; when it has drained away, place the tree in the position in which it is to grow and fill in the soil around it.
Work the soil round the roots utilizing a stick or shovel handle, and make certain there are no air pockets. Spread the roots naturally, planting the tree at round the same depth as its former location. When the hole is two-thirds, of the way full, tramp it down and fill with water again. Complete the remaining soil without tramping it down, in order that the water will drain towards the trunk.
A balled-and-bur lapped tree is one which has been dug with a solid ball of soil where it has been growing in, its root system is thus amply covered and protected. The ball is held set up by a secure covering of burlap and twine. To plant it, set the tree in a hole slightly lower than it stood in the nursery. Work the soil beneath this depth, as described previously.
If the bottom is dry, fill the hole with water and let it soak in before planting. Cut the burlap at the top once you put the tree in place, and roll it back a few inches. You'll plant the burlap and all. The burlap will soon rot away.
After the tree is planted you can cut it back sharply. If necessary brace the tree with wire ropes. For the initial year, the more cultivation around the tree the better, keeping weeds away, too, with straw or mulch, in the spring and fall can help keep the moisture in the bottom.
