The limiting factor for tree growth is often lack of adequate water. Be sure to remove the ties at the end of one growing season. Stake with soft, flexible ties but not so tightly that the tree cannot bend with the wind. Staking is only necessary if the tree starts to lean or is subject to high winds. Chicken manure is also quite high in nitrogen and may damage the tree.ĭo not prune except to remove dead or broken branches. Organic fertilizers, such as cow manure, or fertilizers with little or no nitrogen may be used at planting, but those with a significant nitrogen content should not be used until one year after planting. Be sure that the mulch does not touch the tree trunk. Mulch with bark, leaves, wood chips or pine straw 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Backfill with soil from the planting area, watering and firming to settle air pockets. Be careful to keep roots from drying out. Lift containerized plants from the pot, then cut any circling roots by making four or five vertical slits along the sides of the rootball. Remove wires and ropes from balled and burlapped trees, and also the “fabric” if it is made from a material that will not decay. Organic matter such as compost or peat moss may be mixed throughout the planting bed at this time, if needed.ĭig a shallow hole in the middle of the bed so that the top of the root ball will sit level with or slightly higher than the surrounding ground. Using a shovel or tiller, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches in an area three times the diameter of the root ball. ![]() Current techniques for tree planting require preparation of a large planting bed with favorable conditions for root growth. Planting may be extended through spring if trees are watered regularly. Fall planting is best since the roots have more time to become established before leaves emerge. Dormancy is from the time trees shed their leaves in fall until new growth appears in spring. Whenever possible, schedule your planting during the dormant season, when trees are not actively growing.
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