How to Plant New Trees in the Home Garden
As the weather warms in springtime, many home gardeners
consider incorporating new trees into
their landscape. Additionally,
April in many communities has been given the moniker of “Earth Month” when environmentalists
celebrate by planting trees. The
importance of trees cannot be underestimated as they help improve air quality,
provide wildlife habitat, control erosion, offer shade, produce fruit, and are
also visually pleasing. Trees are an integral part of our everyday lives.
However, the most important thing to keep in mind is to
plant the right tree in the right place. The decisions regarding what kind and
where to plant trees should be given careful consideration. Since trees are
meant to be long-term fixtures of an environment, taking steps at planting time
to ensure healthy growth and longevity is essential for success.
Photo Credit: Oklahoma State University
Tree Selection:
Several factors should be considered while deciding on the
type of tree best suited to the landscape. Again, pick the right tree for the
right place.
Hardiness: Will
the tree survive cold and hot temperatures?
Light
Requirements: Does the tree require full sun or can it be grown in shade?
Water
Requirements: How much water does the tree need to achieve healthy growth?
Size and Shape
at Maturity: How tall and wide will the tree grow?
Ornamental
Value: Is the tree visually pleasing?
Maintenance:
Does the tree drop its leaves or needles in the autumn?
Use: Is the
tree being used to provide privacy or block something unsightly? Is the tree
being used to produce food? Will it help with erosion control?
Native/Non-Native/Invasive:
Will the tree be part of a landscape with other natives? Could the tree be
potentially invasive?
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Trees can be purchased in either in a container, balled with
burlap and twine, or bare root. Bare root trees do not have any dirt attached
to their roots making it easier to buy from mail-order nurseries. Bare root
trees must be planted before they break dormancy in the spring or planted in
the late fall after leaf drop. Balled and burlapped trees have the soil and
roots contained within the burlap. Trees in containers have been dug and then
placed in the pot with soil or potting mix.
Consider the space you have above the ground. Be mindful of
what size the tree will be at maturity. Don’t plant too close to surrounding
structures, other trees, or powerlines. Also consider the space you have below
ground for the roots to grow out. Be mindful of the depth of your soil as well
as proximity to buildings, sidewalks, and roadways. A proper site will give the
tree access to adequate water and sunlight. A soil test may be used to assess
the soil pH and available nutrients.
The best time to plant trees is in the fall after the tree
has gone dormant or spring before the buds begin to open. Do not attempt to
plant trees when the ground is frozen solid or during the heat of summer when
water loss may become an issue. Planting should be done when temperatures are
moderate.
Planting:
Planting depth is very important . A hole should be dug two
to three times the diameter of the root ball and only just as deep. The basal
flare (where the roots meet the trunk) should not be covered with soil. The
flare should sit just above the soil line. Beware of planting trees too deeply.
Sometimes the root ball can settle after planting, resulting in the trunk
becoming covered with soil. If the roots are balled, remove the twine and
burlap before placing the tree in the hole to free up the roots. With potted
trees, it may be necessary to gently loosen pot bound roots before planting to
avoid girdling.
When placing soil back into the hole, use the
original/native soil. It is not recommended to use compost, fertilizer, or
potting mix because the added nutrients will eventually constrain root growth. Water
thoroughly after planting. Allow to soil to settle in around the roots. Create
a basin around the tree by creating a planting berm (a few inches tall) with
soil for water retention.
Do not prune trees at planting time as leaves will help the
tree develop a better root system. If high winds are an issue at the site,
consider staking the tree to prevent the root ball from moving.
Figure Credit: University of New Hampshire Extension Fact
Sheet,
“Planting and Mulching Trees and Shrubs”, Cathy Neal, Extension
Professor/Specialist
Watering:
Regular watering is required, especially during hot and dry
months until the tree has time to get established. Keep in mind trees need
several years of steady moisture to maintain proper health. The soil around the
root ball should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Monitor the soil moisture
to ensure it is not over or underwatered.
Mulching:
Several inches of mulch may be used to suppress weeds and
preserve soil moisture. However, keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to
limit bark decay and discourage overwintering rodents. Do not over-mulch trees or create a “volcano”
like mound at the base. This will lead to slow growth and decline by stressing
the tree. Mulch can deprive the tree of oxygen and trap excessive moisture
against the root flare.
Mulch piled against a trunk.
Caption and photo credit: Rutgers
University Extension Fact Sheet 099,
“Problems with Over-mulching Trees and
Shrubs”
Pruning:
Keep in mind that many trees will need proper pruning at
some point in order to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain the tree’s
shape. Depending on the age and size of the tree, different pruning methods and
tools may apply. Research the type of tree you have and the proper way to prune
it. For example, fruit trees have different pruning needs than other trees. Do
not climb into trees, rather leave this type of work for a certified arborist.
Rutgers University Agricultural Extension: “Transplanting
Trees and Shrubs”
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=fs376
Rutgers University Agricultural Extension: “Problems with
Over-Mulching Trees and Shrubs”
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs099/
Penn State Extension: “Pruning Landscape Trees”
https://extension.psu.edu/pruning-landscape-trees
University of New Hampshire Extension: “Planting and
Mulching Trees and Shrubs Fact Sheet”
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-and-mulching-trees-and-shrubs-fact-sheet
The Arbor Day Foundation: “Planting the Right Tree in the
Right Place”
https://arbordayblog.org/treeplanting/need-know-planting-right-tree-right-place/
Trees Are Good: “Tree Owner Information”
https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner
