|
Think big when it comes to money, but think small when it comes to planting trees! Although you may be impatient and want to have your trees towering as soon as possible, starting small and cultivating will provide small trees destined for bloom and big color.
When landscaping along your sidewalks, keep in mind that roots tend to grow quickly and spread out widely. Small trees will make a driveway or path more welcoming, and their roots won't buckle near the sidewalks.
Do you have an special time to acknowledge, like an anniversary or new birth? Consider planting a tree to celebrate the event. As your tree grows throughout the years, you will remember the special day or sentimental reason that encouraged you to plant your tree!
Spring fever may cause you to want to start planting trees, but it is best to wait until fall. Cooler weather allows roots to grow at their own pace without the stress of heat. Think about self preservation as well-it's much easier to dig and plant a tree on a cool day than a blistering one!
Once you have chosen the type of tree and it's location, dig a hole for the tree at least twice the size of the root ball's diameter. Depth is extremely important, so test the hole by placing the tree inside. Lay your shovel handle across the opening to ensure that your root ball is level or slightly higher than the existing soil surface.
Determining the type of soil and it's consistency is crucial to your new tree's survival. If you are dealing with clay soil, you can improve the drainage by adding compost such as manure or peat moss or any similar organic material.
Once you have ensured that the soil will properly drain, lift your tree from the container and remove any clips, fasteners or ties, but leave the burlap on. Now is the time to check to see if your tree is root bound. Root bound is a condition where you see more roots than soil, and this will impede your tree's growth.
To fix a root bound tree, take a shovel or similar instrument and make a cut about one third of the way from the bottom of the tree. Before you place it in the hole, pull the two halves of the root ball apart about an inch. Center the root ball in the planting hole, and begin filling in around it with the treated soil.
This would be a good time to give your tree a fertilizer boost as well, with either tablets or slow-releasing fertilizer.
Fill in the hole around the tree, forming a ring around the tree with leftover soil. This ring will guide you as to how much mulch the tree should use. Line the tree with mulch up to the soil ring, and water several times in the next few weeks to give your new tree the jumpstart it needs to thrive into a flowering adult.
| 
