TREE PLANTING PRACTICES
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PLANTING:
A. Select Your Species:
Make sure your soil conditions and environment are appropriate for your tree species of choice. University of Minnesota Extension has many great resources such as this article:
https://extension.umn.edu/.../replacements-ash-trees...
Look at nearby tree species thriving in your area planted in similar locations....this is a quick snapshot compared to using more advanced tools such as soil testing.
B. Planting Timing:
Research timing for planting....absolutely critical and species/weather dependent. Early/mid spring and Fall are the prime planting time periods for the vast majority of species. If you are late....it is usually best to wait and plant at the proper time.
C. Planting Location:
Make sure your planting location not only has proper soil and sunlight conditions...but also enough space! A common and costly error is planting a tree that outgrows its planting space. Autumn Blaze Maple are the most commonly planted species for example. They have explosive growth and can be extremely expensive to maintain and prune for structure when planted in tight areas.
PLANTING PROCEDURE:
1. The trunk flare is the area where the trunk widens at the bottom of the tree. Make sure the trunk flare is somewhat exposed after planting the tree. Eliminate excess soil before planting if the flare isn’t visible.
2. Excavate a wide, shallow planting cavity. Holes must be 2–3 times broader than the root ball, but should not exceed the depth of the root ball.
3. If encased, take off any covering surrounding the root ball and trunk to support root development. Take off the wire basket or cut one or two rings to make it low-profile, ensuring it won't hinder future root development. Examine the tree root ball for encircling roots and straighten, trim, or eliminate them. Reveal the flare of the trunk if needed.
4. While positioning the tree in the hole, elevate by the root ball instead of the trunk. Planting excessively deep can damage the tree. Trees planted too deeply often develop deadly girdling roots and/or trunk rot issues.
5. Before filling the hole, have an individual inspect the tree from various viewpoints to ensure it is upright.
6. Carefully yet assertively pack the hole. Surround the base of the root ball with soil to secure it.
Minimize air gaps by regularly watering during the backfilling process. Refrain from fertilizing during the planting phase.
7. Research indicates that trees grow sturdier trunks and roots when they aren’t staked; nonetheless, staking might be necessary for bare root stock or in windy locations. Take out stakes following the initial year of growth.
8. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, but avoid stacking it directly against the trunk. An area without mulch that's 4-6 inches wide at the tree's base will decrease damp bark and stop decay.
9. Water the soil at least weekly, except when it rains, and increase frequency in hot, windy conditions to maintain moisture. The most common reason planted trees die is drought/heat.
Explore GreenGoddessMN.com for more tips and tricks plus services offered by professional arborists and certified pesticide applicators.
Have a great spring!