Spring Return of Light and Color

The arrival of spring means that garden centers around the country are packed with people ready for planting time. Excitement about gardening is almost palpable. To ensure that this heightened level of excitement yields positive results, let's discuss the basics of tree planting and go over some great tips to help your yard and the planet. Planting new trees and getting them to grow successfully is not as difficult or complicated as some would have you believe. Here's a little planting guide.

Tree roots are usually balled in burlap at the nursery or garden center. Make sure that you closely examine the root ball before you purchase it. Is there twine wrapped around the ball to hold the plant secure? If it does have twine, at the very least, you should cut it and lay it in the bottom of the hole before tree planting. It is extremely important that you make sure nylon isn't used, as it does not rot and will actually constrict and eventually kill the tree two or three years down the road.

A very critical part of planting a tree is the soil in which you plant it. If your soil is heavy clay, then it is ideal to add rich topsoil to the mix when planting. If for some reason you can't do that, then bury the plant so that at least 2 inches or more of the root ball is above the existing grade. Do keep in mind that trees planted this way can dry out. But, planting them flush to the ground in heavy clay can mean that the roots will get too much water.

Keep in mind that most trees are grown in well drained soil. That means that the soil around the root ball is porous so that water can easily pass through. It is recommended that you plant the root ball at least 2 inches above grade and backfill around the ball with the soil you shoveled out when you dug the hole. Backfilling using clay soil is almost like building a dam to keep the excess water from over-saturating the root ball of your newly planted tree.

It is always a good idea to use a stake when tree planting. Your new tree will have a very difficult time establishing new roots if it is constantly rocking back and forth when the wind blows. To secure the tree to a stake, use a single wrap of duct tape. In around six months to a year, the sun will have dried the glue on the duct tape and it will fall off. Be sure to check to make sure the tape has fallen off, as you don't want to girdle the tree with tape. Garden guides can provide further instructions.

©2004-2010 Gardening-Guides.com | about us | contact us | sitemap | policies | submission guidelines