3 Best Tree Planting Tips – Avoid Costly Landscaping Mistakes
SUMMARY
When it comes to landscaping design, trees are an integral part of that design. However, many things need to be taken into consideration for both the look of the landscape as well as the health of the tree. What factors do you need to consider, and why do they matter? In this helpful article, we will explore the key things you should keep in mind when it comes to tree planting and even provide a helpful step-by-step guide to ensure the tree-planting process goes as smoothly as possible. So, read on and learn all the conditions you should consider when you get ready to plant a tree.Consider Your Landscape When Tree Planting
Climate and Soil Conditions
When it comes to tree planting, it is important to consider climate and soil as important factors in maintaining a tree’s long-term health and survival. Trees adapt to their climates, local precipitation patterns, and seasonal changes. So, consider planting trees local to your climate when it comes to tree planting. For example, PawPaw and Cottonwood trees are excellent choices for us Jayhawkers. If we pick trees more suited for warmer or tropical climates, they will struggle and possibly even die. As climate change is starting to cause dramatic shifts in weather, like longer droughts and more intense storms, selecting resilient and adaptable tree species is more important than ever. Choosing local tree species will already give them an edge against non-native species since they are already well adapted to the weather in Kansas. Soil conditions also influence a tree’s ability to access water and nutrients. The type of soil also matters when it comes to a tree’s health. Different kinds of soils have different kinds of textures. These textures affect water retention, so choosing the right soil is important for tree planting. Go for soils that drain well and have a good balance of organic matter. When choosing soil, pay attention to the soil’s texture, if they are well-draining, their pH levels, and what soil types they are. Different trees have different needs. So, while some trees might require better drainage with sandy soil, another tree might need clay soil to help retain moisture better.Space Requirements
When it comes to space, it’s not just for landscaping design. While it is nice to have your landscape look aesthetically pleasing with nice, pleasantly spaced trees and/or bushes, it is also a critical factor in the health and growth of trees. All trees require adequate space for their roots to grow. If they are spaced too close together, these crowded conditions can lead to competition for nutrients and water. This can stunt the growth of trees and make them more susceptible to diseases and stress. Besides the roots below, you must also be mindful of the space above. Depending on the type of tree, you should also be aware of how large the tree’s canopy will grow to be. If tree canopies overlap, this can lead to reduced sun exposure and more competition for light. This can result in poor growth and give the tree an unbalanced appearance. So, when establishing a tree planting plan, consider how much space your tree (or trees) will need, from sapling to full-grown size.The Best Tree Planting Strategy
Before you consider planting your tree, we will gladly provide our helpful tree-planting strategy. One you can apply to any tree planting project! The first thing you want to do is choose the right location. Remember, consider soil conditions, space, tree type, and climate! Then, you can dig your planting hole. You should dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball. If you loosen the sides of the hole, it will encourage root penetration into the soil. Next, you can prepare the rootball by removing it carefully and trimming any compacted roots to encourage outward growth. Next, you should place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is straight and visible at ground level. Lastly, you must fill the hole with soil and apply a 2-3 inch mulch around the tree. Once it is deeply watered, you can pat yourself on the back. You have successfully planted your tree!Post Tree Planting Care
Watering Your Tree
Of course, that doesn’t mean your tree care is finished! There is still post-tree planting care for you to do. The hard work has been done, now it’s just the monitoring part you should concern yourself with. When it comes to new trees, it is especially important to continue caring for them while they are still establishing strong roots. First, you should establish a consistent watering schedule, ideally every day for the first 4-5 days, then decreasing it every 2-3 days for a few weeks. Then, after the first month, water it deeply once a week. If you planted a large tree, it may require 8-10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter weekly.Monitoring Tree Health
Another element of post-tree planting care is pest management. Pests can damage your trees’ leaves, bark, and roots. This will stunt its growth or even kill it if you’re not vigilant. The presence of pests can be very obvious (mammals like deer or other herbivorous animals) or very difficult to identify. (small insects like borers or aphids.) You can usually tell it is a pest if you spot chewed or discolored leaves, sticky residue on the leaves or bark, tunnels in the trunk or branches, or visible eggs present. You can usually avoid pest problems by keeping your tree healthy through proper watering, fertilizing, mulching, and pruning. However, if you spot a pest, it is best to research the best strategies to target it. For example, using ladybugs to kill and consume pesty aphids might work. Still, you might need to install sticky traps or trunk wraps to intercept ants and caterpillars since ladybugs exclusively prey on aphids.Conclusion
Hopefully, you have learned a lot from this article about tree planting. Trees are an integral part of landscaping design, and it is important to keep the health of trees in mind besides just aesthetic beauty. Healthy trees are a pleasant sight, and if you implement these helpful strategies, your tree will surely thrive! However, if you are unsure or don’t have enough manpower to plant your tree or trees, we’re just the people to help you! Here at Divine Lawns, we have comprehensive tree services to meet your needs! From tree trimming, tree removal, landscaping, and more, we’ll be happy to help you with any landscaping needs! Just call us at (316) 348-3842 or contact us to see how we can assist you.
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