Planting

Proper planting techniques may mean the difference between a healthy, vigorous tree and one that performs poorly or dies. By observing the following recommendations, you will be giving your tree the best possible start in life.

Plant the tree high. Dig the hole one or two inches less than the soil level in the container or the depth of the root ball. In other words, plant the tree one to two inches higher than the surrounding soil. Don’t worry about a few roots showing on the surface. If you have to dig deep to get through a hardpan or restricted layer, refill the hole with the original, loosened soil and let it settle for a week or so before re-digging a hole for the tree. Be sure not to plant the tree too deep. This may lead to crown rot and eventual death of the tree.

Dig the Hole two times wider than the container or root ball. For bare root trees, make the hole wide enough accommodate the roots without bending them.

Roughen the sides of the hole to make it easier for the roots to penetrate. Check for twisted, circling or kinked roots. Cut and remove roots that wrap around or are broken or discolored.

Refill the hole with the original soil. If a tree is to mature in the landscape, it will have to grow in the existing soil of the planting site. Soil and

amendments like peat moss, compost, rice hulls or fir bark are not necessary in most situations. Adding amendments to the entire area may be helpful in extremely poor soils. To exclude air pockets, firm the soil around the roots as you fill the hole. Keep the trunk and area free of soil.

Trees need oxygen - Don’t plant them in wet soggy soils

Water the tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

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What do you want from a tree?

By pwsadmin • April 19, 2024

Color in the fall, flowers, fruit, a particular shape, one that is tolerant of water or drought? Trees come in all shapes, sizes and habits. Some have shallow roots; others, deep. Some have serious pest problems. Look at the site carefully. Is there room for the tree’s top and roots? Will the tree interfere with phone lines, sewers or buildings? Choose the right tree for the right place. It will save you problems in the long run. Select healthy trees with no wounds on the trunk or branches. Avoid trees that are root bound. Choosing a good tree is the first step to a successful tree planting.

Professional Arborist Info

By pwasdmin • April 19, 2024

1. Reduce Your Liability An arborist can also eliminate the potential liability situation: a dangerously leaning tree, dead limbs, or the trip hazards of stumps and raised roots. 2. Save Time and Money An arborist saves you time and money by applying professional knowledge to: Prevent damage or Injury from existing hazardous tree conditions Plant Appropriate Trees for specific locations to prevent future problems. Train Young Growth in a few minutes rather than wait until trees are large and time consuming to prune. Work Quickly and Efficiently with the tools and skills of an experienced professional. 3. Learn Proper Tree Care Practices Arborist who are members of the National Arborist Association, or the International Society of Arboriculture learn proper cuts and care methods for all types of trees. They are also updated on new techniques and methods for disease prevention. An Arborist can tell you the myths and facts of tree care and recommend way you can save trees from pests, diseases, and the unintentional damage caused by construction or impose girdling and pruning. *** Did you know? *** Many standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover home and property damaged caused by falling limbs and trees.

Staking

By pwsadmin • April 18, 2023

Not all trees require staking. In fact, improper staking may seriously weaken, deform or injure a tree. A tree left unstaked, with its top allowed to move in the wind will develop a better root system, have greater trunk taper and thickness, and will have less wind resistance than a rigidly staked tree.

Proper Pruning