Tree planting season is here
Spring and fall are the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. Container grown and ball and burlap trees and shrubs can be planted once they have dropped their leaves. Before digging the hole, prepare the site by loosening the soil well beyond the drip line of each plant, at least twice the diameter of the root ball before planting. Plant trees and shrubs at the depth where the root tissue meets the trunk tissue, there will be a slight bulge, not deeper. Remove all wires, ropes and non-biodegradable materials from roots. Spread roots out so they are not tangled or wrapped around the trunk before backfilling the soil. Mulch well after watering, keeping mulch from touching the tree bark.
Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer, but stay several inches away from the trunk. Avoid “volcano” mulching, mulch piled high around the base or trunk of the plant. If volcanoes are found in the landscape, pull back the mulch from the trunk and create a “donut” instead. Trees want no mulch against the base or trunk of the plant because a heavy layer of mulch around the base can lead to girdling roots as well as foster insect, disease, and rodent problems. Keep the soil moist, not wet, to the depth of the roots.
