Tree Planting Diagram

1. Select trees with a single, straight trunk.

2. Plant trees 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

3. Make the planting hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and only as deep. Be cautious not to plant too deep. Trees should be planted with their root flare even with the soil line. Soil may need to be removed from around the root collar to expose the root flare. If the soil is compacted, make the upper portion of the hole wider.

4. Leave a mound of undisturbed soil in the bottom of the hole to support the root ball and prevent settling.

5. Remove or cut and fold down at least 50% of the burlap and/or wire basket away from root ball after tree placement. Allow the roots to lay naturally.

6. Use good native soil or topsoil for backfilling.

7. Apply 2 to 3 inches of wood chip or bark mulch.

8. Keep mulch away from base of tree.

9. If staking, tie with a slack rubber hose or strap; be sure to remove ties within one year.

Tree Planting Diagram adapted from Elmendorf, Gerhold, and Kuhns (2001) courtesy of Pennsylvania State University.

Bare Root Trees

At the Conservation District Tree Sale, most trees will come as bare root. Bare root trees are trees that are dug and stored without any soil around their roots.

What are the advantages of planting bare root trees?

·  More root mass. Bare root trees can have up to 200% more roots than B&B or container trees, depending on the soil and transplanting history at the nursery.

·  Lower cost. Without extra labor and materials, bare root trees cost seller and buyer less.

·  Easier planting. A young tree without soil weighs little, so it easy to move and plant.

There must be some disadvantages!

·  Less work time. Once they leave the nursery, bare root trees need to get in the ground within a week at the longest. With no soil, the roots can dry out and die if left exposed for a long period of time.

·  Narrower planting window. Bare root trees need good soil moisture, so mid spring (before budbreak) and mid fall (after leaf fall) are the only two possible planting times.

·  Restricted availability. Some species may not be available bare root, and some nurseries may not have trees available for bare root retail sale at all.

What are the best techniques to follow for such tree planting?

·  Use any technique you can to reduce the time the tree roots are bare.

·  Order 1.5-2 inch trees to be dug within 24 hrs of your arrival, otherwise be sure they are stored in a cool place.

·  Have fall trees dug mid-Oct to late Nov, spring trees late March to early May.

·  If possible, dip tree roots in a slurry of hydrogel (a synthetic water-absorbing compound, many brands available) or muddy water, then store them in large, pleated plastic bags until planting.

·  If no hydrogel is used, soak the tree roots in water for 12 to 24 hrs before planting.

·  Keep trees covered, shaded, and moist until actually put in the ground.

The Effects of Poor Mulching

M ulching provides multiple benefits toward improving tree health and longevity. However, these benefits can only be obtained by the tree if the mulch is applied properly and maintained consistently over the life of the tree. When mulch is applied inappropriately by over mulching or piling up against the trunk, it can:

• Cause inner bark tissue to die • Lead to insect and disease problems • Promote excessive soil moisture and root rot • Create habitat for rodents that chew the bark and girdle the stem • Lead to anaerobic conditions that produce alcohols and organic acids toxic to young plants • Cause imbalances in soil pH • Become a matted barrier that prevents the penetration of water and air.

Info on this page provided by VT Urban & Community Forest Program Tree Care brochures.