Tree Planting Pointers

After their leaves have fallen and before the ground freezes is a good time to plant shade trees. Dig a wide, deep hole. Loosen the subsoil and fill the bottom of the hole with a mixture of topsoil, organic material (compost, rotted manure or peatmoss) and a pound or so of a balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-5 or 4-12-4. Cut off broken or dried roots.

Now set the tree so the soil mark on the trunk is level with the surrounding ground. Let a shovel handle be your guide. Have someone hold the tree in place while you spread the roots and fill topsoil around them. Wash some soil in with water to prevent air pockets and then fill the remainder of the hole. After excess water seeps away, firm the soil with your foot.

A soil ring facilitates watering each week if the season is dry, but it should be leveled before winter to prevent water from collecting and freezing about the trunk. Before or after planting, whichever is more convenient, a third of each branch should be removed, but do not cut the main stem. Trees over 10 feet high are best guyed with three wires the first year.

Related Articles

• Planting Trees Correctly - The Steps - Before selecting or planting any trees, their mature height and spread must be considered as it applies to your landscape. Nursery catalogs may be tempting, but it’s necessary to make careful selection, especially on an average lot. Crowding can spoil the growth and appearance of trees, particularly specimen trees. Plant Young or Old Trees In general, it
• Tips on Caring and Feeding Garden Trees - When trees grow naturally in the forest, the leaves fall around them, decay and form a good soil. The leaves also preserve moisture in the soil. On a lawn, however, the tree must compete with the grass for moisture and nutrients, and the leaves are raked up to prevent grass disorders, so that the successful