
If you decide to celebrate Earth Day
(or any day!) with a tree planting, here are some helpful tips on picking,
planting, and caring for your new tree seedling, sapling, or young tree.
When
choosing a tree to plant in your yard, consider what trees you may already have
there. Everyone has certain tree species that they enjoy over others, but
excess planting of one species can leave your trees exposed to decay fungi and
insect pests that may favor that species. Learn to like other varieties and
promote diversity in your yard. Also, consider the mature crown sizes for your
present trees and the new tree you are about to pick. Do not pick a tree that
will become large enough to conflict with others and increase the costs of
future care. When picking your future tree be sure to examine the tree’s
exposed roots for damage. Avoid roots that are growing against the trunk of the
tree as they can suffocate the trunk tissues as the tree grows. Look for damage
in the bark of the tree and for co-dominant stems in the crown that can lead to
structural issues in the future. The goal is to pick a tree that has a central
stem so the tree can have the best chance to develop good structure while young
and lessen the amount of care you must devote to correcting any structural
defects. Look for broken or crossing limbs that may expose the tree to decay
fungi and insect pests.
When
planting your new tree, start with choosing the right planting site. Consider
the mature crown size of the tree you are planting as well as the location of your
home, driveway, and other outbuildings. This is not only to protect your home and
other buildings, but to also protect the tree’s root system from damage or cuts
in future construction. Be sure there are no underground utilities beneath your
planting site and lastly, consider overhead utilities that the tree may
interfere with in the future.
When
planting, dig the hole just deep enough for the root ball of the tree and one
and a half times the size of the root ball in width. Slope the hole inward
toward the middle. Tease exposed roots away from the root ball to promote growth
outward and not in a circular pattern as this could lead to anchorage issues in
the future. When placing your tree in the hole, be sure to break apart and backfill
with some of the site soil you dug up. Doing this will allow the roots to
penetrate horizontally through the soil much easier. After backfilling, keep
grass away from the base of the trunk so that your tree will have the best
chance of growing at its quickest pace. There are many materials you can use to
retain moisture and keep grass away from your tree, wood chip mulch being the most
used. Wood chip mulch helps prevent compaction, erosion, limits evaporation,
helps control weeds, increases organic matter and nutrients, and protects the
tree trunk from string trimmer damage. When placing mulch around your tree,
mulch thickness should be no more than 2 inches and as wide as your tree’s
crown. Also, be sure the mulch is 4 to 10 inches away from the base of your
tree trunk so that trunk flare can grow unimpeded. Limit moisture against the
trunk so as not to promote decay fungi attacking your tree.
Once you
have planted your tree, it may be necessary to stake it so that it does not get
damaged or break in high winds. It is best to support your tree from two sides
and not by placing a single stake right against the trunk. As your tree grows,
it must be able to sway slightly with the wind so that the trunk and root
system can spread giving the tree good anchorage and strength against storms or
high wind as it matures. If you can pick a tree with a good crown structure,
then you should not have to prune it until 1-2 years after planting. Disinfect
your pruning tools before working on your tree to prevent any decay fungi or
pathogens entering your tree from the pruning wounds. Sealing wounds is not
always necessary but can be done if desired. Wound sealing for oaks is a must,
however. After planting you should water the tree regularly, never run water
directly against the trunk when watering. Pour water in and around the tree’s
dripline. As the tree grows it will not be necessary to water so frequently.
Trees take up to four years to establish themselves so watering them at that
stage and in the summer months will aid them in surviving and growing to be
enjoyed for years to come.
Thomas Martinez
Parks Crew Leader
City Arborist: TX-4454-AUM
