- Finding the correct tree. Picking the right kind of tree for your wants and needs is vital. Look at where you want to plant your tree-- do you want a tall, full tree? Or a smaller ornamental tree? When you're buying a tree, look at the size it will be at maturity and plan for that much space. Think about it this way-- if you were buying a puppy, you wouldn't buy a great dane puppy and expect it to stay the same size! Why do this with your tree? Also consider the type of light and soil this tree will receive. Some trees can thrive in sandy soil while others need more loam. Some trees prefer full sun, while others prefer some shade. Just like people, trees have their preferences!
- Picking a healthy tree. When buying a tree, inspect it closely before planting it. If it is balled and burlapped, the rootball should be appropriate to the size of the tree and firm, particularly around the trunk. Bare-root seedlings should have moist, fibrous roots. Containerized plants shouldn't be tall or spindly-- pick one with a well-developed root system and the height will come later. Roots are more important. The soil plug should be moist and firm. Potted trees should not contain large, circling roots (a sign they have been in there too long!) and the soil and roots should be joined tightly. When choosing a tree to plant along a city street, you'll want an older tree with a significant calliper (trunk width). It should have a strong leader, healthy bark, an uninjured trunk, good trunk taper, wide-angled crotches, and low branches. These will all promote a more successful tree as it grows and matures.
- Planting your trees. Here is a link to videos, supplied by the National Arbor Day Foundation, that show you, step by step, the best way to plant your trees. Click here to see instructional videos!
- Mulch is important. Mulch insulates soil, providing a buffer from extremes, retains water, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, and helps prevent damage from lawn-mowers and other yard equipment. To add mulch to your tree, remove grass around a 3-5 foot space around the trunk. Place 1-2 inches deep mulch around the tree, leaving space around the trunk.
- Watering your tree correctly. Water newly-planted trees regularly. Not enough water is harmful (especially during the first two years of its new location while it's putting so much energy into rooting!) but too much can cause equally detrimental damage. Too much water can virtually drown the tree-- roots need oxygen. Soil should be damp, not muddy. Some great drought-tolerant trees for our area are the Arizona Cypress, Japanese Zelkova, Mugo Pine, and Thornless Honey-locust.
- Pruning. Pruning can help promote flowering, new growth, and healthier roots. Pruning during dormancy is a common practice, though spring and summer pruning are also acceptable as long as it is done correctly. Pruning in the fall can put too much stress on the tree before it goes into winter, so it's best not to prune during the fall. To learn how to prune your tree, go to this link.
- Identifying pests and disease. If you are seeing signs of stress or damage on your trees that you suspect may be pests or disease, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service.
Knowing how to care for your trees isn't hard, with all the resources you need just at your fingertips!
