Trees are an important feature in the environment that help provide shade as well as intercepting stormwater. Proper planting and maintenance can promote healthy trees. Additionally, it is important to know what to look for with common tree diseases.
Planting Trees
Proper methods are crucial for a tree’s establishment and survival. Follow these steps to set your new trees up for long-term success:
- Prepare root ball: Remove circling roots and any above the root flare and scarify sides.
- Dig a hole: It should be twice the root ball’s width and gradually sloped.
- Plant at proper depth: The root flare should be visible above the soil line.
- Use only existing soil from the hole and container: Do not add fertilizers or soil additions to a newly planted tree. Press firmly, but do not compact.
- Avoid landscape fabric, weed barriers, or edging that requires digging: They inhibit the tree’s ability to grow a healthy, functional root system.
- Mulch: Cover the width of hole and 3-4 inches in depth with hardwood mulch, pine straw or bark, or other organic mulches, never inorganic material. Do not mulch within 6 inches of the trunk to avoid bacterial and fungal infections.
Maintaining Trees
After your tree is planted, maintain regularly to ensure establishment.
- Water: Give trees 1 inch of water weekly during the growing season, including rain. Use a slow drip or soak method, and continue until first hard freeze.
- Manage mulch: Replace loose mulch on the top of the pile with fresh mulch every few years, and remove any that falls within 6 inches of the trunk.
- Protect trees: Use chicken wire, hardware cloth, corrugated stem protectors, or grow tubes to protect from wildlife and wraps in the winter to protect from cold.
- Prune: Remove dead and broken branches immediately, and prune after 3 years, only as needed. Clean tools with alcohol before and after each tree and between cutting infected branches. Use 3 cut method for wounds to seal off.
- Inspect: Look for signs of stress and pest or disease presence.
- Fertilize: Only fertilize to target nutrient deficiencies in established trees following a diagnostic soil test from a reputable lab. Over fertilizing can harm a tree’s roots.