[dropcap]W[dropcap]ith environmental awareness continuing to grow momentum, more people are willing to contribute to the preservation of our planet. One of the best ways people are encouraged to do so is by planting a tree. This simple and very humane initiative not only helps the surroundings look better, but also healthier. Trees are known to clean the air, provide us with sufficient amounts of oxygen, conserve energy, and prevent water erosion and pollution. This is just a short summary of all the advantages planting a tree can have for us and the planet.
Spring is the perfect time to find your green thumb. And planting a tree is a great first step to doing so. While tree planting can be a simple process, it is still equally important to make sure you follow key step to ensure you are doing everything correctly. Fortunately, we have five essential tips that will help you on your tree planting task, and ensure you’re doing good for the planet.
Learning When to Plant
Tree planting depends on numerous factors, including the climate and the type of trees. Keep in mind that the root of the tree has to be established before being exposed to stressors like ovrly high or low temperatures and drought. That is why you need to find out what is the best time to plant a tree. For example, you should plant bare-root trees in the early spring before leaves come up. On the contrary, container-grown or balled and burlapped trees are more resistant for they have more roots, and so they can be planted anytime from the early spring to the early fall.
The Right Way to Dig A Planting Hole
In a recent conversation with Priority Trees, a Sydney-based firm specialized in tree services, we discovered that one of the biggest mistakes people usually make is planting a tree at the wrong depth. Heavy clay soils, for example, require digging the planting hole deep enough so that the top 3 inches of the root ball stay under the level of the ground. Now in a sandy soil, the top of the root ball can be even with the ground level. The root needs to be settled in the top layers of ground so that it can have enough air and nutrients to develop. Since the root will grow and spread horizontally, you should dig wide rather than deep.
Pay Attention To The Planting Process
Once you have dug a proper hole, you need to plant a tree. The soil where you are going to place your tree needs to be firm. Otherwise, the tree will sink, and decrease the survival rate of your tree. Before you place the tree, you need to remove the container from its bottom. Plastic or metal containers, as well as other materials like burlap, wood, tar paper or fiberboard have to be removed before the backfill.
The next step after placing the tree in the hole is the backfill. Fill the hole using organic materials, such as peat, compost or manure that are added to the soil, in order to make it rich with all essential nutrients that will ensure your tree develops. You then need to fill the hole gently with the soil instead of pushing the soil in, which could potentially damage the root. The best way to do so is to take a hose and run water until the soil settles.
Avoid Water Mistakes
One of the most common concerns many of us have is knowing what the right way is to watering newly planted trees. Although this process may appear difficult to you now, you will soon understand the needs of your tree. Trees can be just like people – when we are not thirsty, we don’t need water. Therefore, before you water your tree, you should carefully dig down 6 inches at the edge of the planting hole. If it is still soaked, don’t water it. Watering the soil too much can lead to rotting the root or decreasing the amounts of air, which is can have dire consequences to the development of the root.
PostCare Attention
Fertilizing and tree pruning in the early stages is not recommended as they could hinder the development of your tree. Instead, postpone major tree pruning or shaping until the tree reaches two years. Make sure to prune only broken or dead branches. For stability issues, avoid wires and go for soft tree straps that won’t harm the tree instead.
Remember planting a tree is one of the most rewarding efforts we as conscious citizens can do for the planet. With the five crucial tips we have outlined above you should be on your way to planting and growing a healthy tree for future generations to enjoy. We encourage you to contact your local garden center to learn more on planting trees. Now go choose your perfect tree, get informed and start that green thumb!
Comments 1