How to plant trees?

This snippet has been extracted from a famous book named “Better homes & gardens Trees & shrubs” written by “John Wiley& Sons, Inc.” It gives brief information describing, “How to plant Trees”? So the best resort to avail of these services would be from “Tree Removal Berkeley CA“. We extend our heartiest gratitude to the author for this wonderful piece which helps us to be attached to Nature.

How to plant trees?

Container-grown trees, like this lovely crab apple, are easier to plant than bulky balled- and- bur lapped plants.

Proper Planting depth is the most important part of the tree planting process. If you plant a tree at the right depth, it will have the resources to overcome a host of landscape challenges. If it is planted too shallow or too deep, growth is compromised, water and nutrients are not readily available, and the plant is more susceptible to a variety of pests.

Thankfully, root flares make it easy to plant at the correct depth. At the base of every tree trunk, you’ll find the root flare. This is the slightly swollen area at the trunk base where the uppermost roots emerge. In most cases the root flare should be level with the surrounding soil.

Often trees are planted too deep in the nursery and the root flare is covered with soil. At planting time, remove the excess soil across the top of the entire root ball to expose the root flare. When back filling the tree, be sure to keep the area free of soil.

High and dry

If you are planting in poorly drained soil or clay, set the tree so that the root flare is about 2 inches above the surrounding grade. As roots emerge from the root ball, they will expand into soil near the surface, where water drains more freely and oxygen is more abundant.

How to plant a tree

There is an adage about the importance of a good planting hole. It goes something like this: It is better to put a 25-cent tree in a 2-dollar hole than put a 2-dollar tree in a 25-cent hole. The saying holds true today. Take time to carefully dig an adequate-size planting hole, and the tree will be well on its way to a long life.

1.      Dig Hole

Using a sharp spade, dig a planting hole. The depth of the hole should be equal to the height of the root ball, never deeper. The planting hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball. Toss the excavated soil onto a piece of burlap or in a wheelbarrow to make planting and cleanup easy.

 2. Examine Roots

Carefully remove the tree from the pot. Examine the roots. If they are circling the outside of the root ball, cut four equally spaced 1- to 2-inch-deep vertical slices into the root ball. The severed roots will stop circling and, over time, grow outward into the surrounding soil. Gently place the tree in the planting hole. Or for a balled- and- burlapped tree, gently roll the root ball into the planting hole. Remove any twine or portions of a wire basket that might girdle the trunk.

3.      Check Depth

The point where the roots flare out from the trunk should be even with or slightly above the surrounding grade. Ensure the tree is at the correct depth by placing a shovel handle across the hole. Using the handle as a guide, check the planting depth. Always err on the side of planting a tree a little higher than the surrounding grade, especially if the soil drains slowly.

4.      Backfill

Fill the planting hole about halfway with the excavated soil, breaking up clods and lightly tamping the soil to prevent air pockets. The handle end of a spade works well for tamping. Fill the hole the rest of the way and lightly tamp again. Build a 3-inch- tall berm around the edge of the planting hole and spread a 2-inch- thick layer of mulch over the soil surface. The berm and mulch will aid in water retention.

5.      Water

Finish planting by watering the tree  well. Using a hose or watering can, gently drench the new tree and surrounding soil.  Deliver water slowly so as not to disturb the soil berm. The berm will corral water, preventing it from flowing away from the tree into the surrounding landscape.

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