Tips for Selecting, Planting & Caring for Your New Tree
Roots, Shoots & Branches: Pro Tip
April is Earth Month, and April 22nd is Earth Day! What better time to support the Earth and your local nursery by planting a native tree! Here are my top tips for selecting, planting & caring for your new tree:
Be sure to choose a healthy specimen when shopping for a tree. Look for a straight trunk and if growing in a pot, about 60 to 70% of the pot should contain roots. An overgrown specimen will struggle when it is planted, and a “too young” tree may also.
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root mass of the tree, and just deep enough to accommodate the roots. Mix the existing soil with triple mix, (equal parts top soil/compost and sand) and plant the tree high, at least 30 cm higher than grade for large specimens. This will allow water to flow away from the tree roots when irrigated.
After planting care requires that you keep an eye on it for needed water, especially during the heat of summer, it is important to push a finger into the soil up to your second knuckle. If it is dry, it is time for a deep watering. Take your time as water will run off the mounded root zone. Best to use a trickle of water from the end of a garden hose.
No need to fertilize as the needed nutrients are in the soil and compost.
Stake it with a sturdy wooden tree stake and secure using wire pulled through an old piece of garden hose. Use a figure 8 to prevent chafing of the tree trunk against the stake.
Watch your tree for signs of stress like yellowing leaves or lack of new growth. And be patient. A tree takes its own time to grow. Planted in the right place and properly tended, it will likely outlive us all.
More info at www.markcullen.com