Are you looking to add a tree to your landscape this spring? Making sure that your tree has the best possible start will help it be able to have a long lifetime of growth and enjoyment for your family.
Here are 10 rules for planting trees in a home landscape:
1. Select the right tree for the site. K-State has a list of trees recommended for Kansas available online.
2. Keep the tree well-watered and in a shady location until planting. When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot – not by the trunk.
3. Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant. Plant the tree on solid ground, not in fill dirt.
4. Dig a hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. The width should be three times the width of the root ball.
5. Remove all containers from the root ball, including plastic and peat pots. Roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess as possible.
6. Backfill the hole with soil that was removed. Make sure the soil is loosened, without clods or clumps.
7. Don’t cut back branches of the tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged.
8. Water the tree thoroughly, then once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall.
9. Place mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, and cover an area 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball.
10. Stake only when necessary; trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked.
By following these steps when planting your new tree, you are giving it the best start to be able to thrive in the years to come.
To learn more about how to properly plant and care for a new tree, I will be talking about tree care in a lunch and learn on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Great Bend Activity Center located at 2715 18th Street. So, bring your lunch and tree questions for a fun learning opportunity!
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