Tips for Tree Planting Preparation

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In many landscaping projects, trees provide a lot of pluses, like erosion control, decorative affects, wildlife habitats and barriers for privacy. Planting trees also helps the environment by helping to curb the affects of greenhouse gases, as trees convert carbon dioxide to oxygen.

Learning how to plant trees will help you make sure that the young trees you carefully place in your landscaping will survive any conditions they may encounter. Some other preparations will help trees grow in the ways you want them to, adding the right touch to your property. Tree planting contractors can give you guidance on what to do before and during planting and tips for optimum installation of trees on your property.

Planting Trees: Spacing

One of the first tips for planting trees is to ensure that they have space to grow. Research the minimum space that a tree needs in it adult life, and avoid planting row trees too close together. Avoid planting trees near paved surfaces: the roots could be stifled, or they could push up ground and destroy paved areas.

It can help to map out your project, to show how your trees will fit into the big picture of your project. Strategic placement is a large part of your result for tree planting

Match Your Trees to Soils and Climates

Before you plant, test your soil for ph, drainage and nutrients. Professionals can help you pick trees that benefit from your specific soils for optimal tree planting. Ask about “native trees” that are common your area; these will have a better chance of thriving in your climate.

Create Your Tree’s Space

Your nursery trees will generally arrive wrapped in burlap or a similar material, with their root structures bound up in a ball. Get the specifics from your nursery, and then start digging on the tree planting day. Dig a little extra room to maneuver and get large rocks out of the area to accommodate the growth of the roots.

When you get the trees on site, you’ll want to get them into position and then use water and mulch material to get them relatively level with the ground. Irrigate the tree to help it settle in; ask your nursery about the perfect amount of water to use.

For fragile saplings, you’ll want to stake them using wire and wooden stakes, to help them stand up to winds. Planting trees in the autumn before cold weather sets in will ensure they don’t get exposed to severe conditions like hail before they settle into the area.

Planting Trees: Maintenance

You’ll want to keep your trees mulched and fenced away from destructive human or animal traffic. Some trees can require a little extra water or fertilizer, but most will grow more or less on their own. Another thing you want to watch out for is “junk trees”; these weedy, fast-growing trees can choke and overtake your trees, especially evergreens. If you notice either junk tree limbs or vines growing vertically within the fronds of your evergreens, take steps to eliminate these plants before they stunt the growth of the trees you originally planted.