Selection
The father of American conservation, Aldo Leopold, wrote, “Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.” Although Leopold wrote specifically about pines, he could have used any tree as an example. And though there’s no denying the magic of tree planting, there are other things to consider besides how sharp your shovel is.
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Select the right tree. Consider a tree’s future size, shape and appearance before you purchase any tree. Different species have different light, water and soil requirements. Consult a good reference or talk with the nursery owner or your local forester before you make the mistake of planting a shade-loving dogwood on the sunny, south side of your house.
Once you’ve picked the right tree, make sure you plant it in the right place. Pick a location away from overhead utility lines, poles and underground cables. Consider where the shade from a tree may fall. You wouldn’t want it to darken your vegetable garden, but shading the east or west side of your house could help keep it cool in the summer. Also consider how far a tree’s crown may spread. Use this as a guide to plant an appropriate distance away from houses, streets, utility lines and other structures.
Plant it right. Trees planted incorrectly do not develop well and may have a shortened life. Whether your tree is in a pot, balled in burlap, or bare-rooted, always plant the tree with its top major roots even with the soil line. Make sure your planting hole is at least twice the diameter of the root ball. Remove all excess soil on top of the root ball down to where the roots begin to flare out. Also remove any container, wire basket and all tags from the tree. Make sure the tree is straight and backfill with the same soil you took out when you dug the hole. Saturate the backfill with a slow, gentle soaking of water. Last, remember to cut any twine that may be wrapped around the trunk so it doesn’t girdle and kill your growing tree.
Care
After you’ve worked so hard to get your tree in the ground, make sure to take care of it. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree will reduce moisture loss, control weeds and protect the trunk from lawnmowers. Be sure to pull mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot. Keep your tree well watered for the first couple years. Five gallons of water every week should do the trick unless Mother Nature helps out with a soaking rain shower. Watch for insect damage, fungi and diseases and treat infestations before they get out of control. Wait at least three years—after your tree is well-established—to shape your tree with pruning. Mid-winter is usually the best time to prune.
A tree correctly planted and well cared for will provide many benefit for years to come. Besides adding beauty to the landscape, strategically placed trees can reduce your air conditioning needs by 30 percent and help save up to 50 percent on your heating bill. Healthy, mature trees can increase the market value of your home by up to 10 percent. And, a large tree absorbs about 10 pounds of air pollution annually, provides oxygen for us to breathe, slows runoff after a storm and reduces soil erosion.
To reap these benefits, all you need to do is plant a tree. If you select the right tree, plant it correctly in the right place, and give it periodic TLC, the only other thing you need do is sharpen your shovel.
