The Greenscape Guide|Trees

Home

| Trees

| Shrubs

| Perennials

| Annuals

| Turfgrasses

| Bulbs

| Vines

| Specialty

Plant Selector | Message Board

About Trees
		Trees form the basic framework and skelton of an outdoor space. The trunks of trees form the contours of the walls, while their canopies contribute as ceilings. The smaller, flowering trees supply compositional interest to a space. Planting a Tree Determine the location for the tree. Dig a hole as deep as the rootball on the tree, and twice as wide. If your tree has been grown in a pot, the roots have likely formed a mat of circling roots inside the pot. Loosen and untangle roots, removing any dead ones, and spread them apart as you drop the rootball into the planting hole. While keeping the roots spread with one hand, scoop soil into the hole with the other. Pack the soil with your hands or feet; packing firmly will eliminate any air pockets in the soil. If your tree is balled and burlapped, remove all strings and as much burlap as possible and plant. Rootballs are often sold surrounded by wire cages. It is not necessary to remove the wire, as it will eventually corrode.

Mulch
Mulch is critical to the vitality of a tree. A two-inch layer of mulch spread under the branches of the tree will minimize competition from grass and weeds, keep the soil cool, and conserve moisture. Pine straw, bark chips, and wood fiber all make good mulch materials. Note: Never pile mulch thickly around base of tree.

Staking
One or two stakes are sufficient for trees less than eight feet in height. Loosely tie the trunk to the stake using cloth or a wide nylon band. If wire or rope is used, it may damage the tree trunk. The tree should be allowed to sway in the wind. The motion strengthens the trunk and encourage anchor roots. Remove the stakes after approximately one year.

Watering Trees
For new trees, deeply water after planting, using at least 10 gallons of water. After its initial watering, the trees should receive 20-30 gallons of water weekly for at least one year. For existing trees, water when necessary, i.e. drought, high temperatures, etc.