Proper Planting Please

 

As Paul Weaver, ISA Certified Arborist MW-4888-A, with over 35 years of experience providing tree care services in Kansas City, I cannot overstate the importance of planting a tree properly right from the start. Proper planting is the cornerstone upon which a tree’s lifelong health and vitality rest. From the moment a tree is placed into the ground, every action significantly influences its growth, strength, and overall survival. Many long-term tree health issues, from root problems to structural weaknesses, can be traced directly back to improper planting techniques.

When selecting a tree, it's essential to ensure that it is appropriate for the planting site—considering factors such as soil type, moisture availability, sun exposure, and available space for mature growth. Choosing the right tree species is foundational, but the true potential of that choice is realized only when the planting itself is done correctly.

One of the most critical steps in planting is timing. Ideally, trees should be planted during their dormant season, typically late autumn after leaf drop or early spring before bud break. Cooler weather allows trees to establish their roots and acclimate to their new environment before being challenged by active growth periods.

Transplant shock is a reality that all trees face, but proper planting techniques drastically minimize its severity. Whether dealing with balled-and-burlapped or container trees, careful handling and precise planting procedures are crucial. Container trees particularly require attention to root conditions; girdling roots must be addressed promptly to ensure healthy future growth.

The planting process itself follows a series of meticulous yet straightforward steps:

1. Trunk Flare Visibility: The trunk flare, the base where the trunk expands, should be partially visible once planted. If the flare is buried, remove excess soil to prevent issues like root suffocation and decay.

2. Proper Hole Preparation: The planting hole should be broad, approximately two to three times the width of the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself. A shallow, wide hole encourages lateral root growth, providing the tree a strong foundation.

3. Handling the Root Ball: Remove all coverings such as burlap and wire baskets, carefully checking for and addressing circling roots. It is vital to ensure that no barriers remain that could impede root expansion.

4. Correct Tree Placement: When positioning the tree in the hole, lift it by the root ball, never by the trunk, to prevent damage. Most tree roots develop within the top 12 inches of soil; planting too deeply can be detrimental.

5. Ensuring Vertical Alignment: Confirm from multiple angles that the tree is upright before filling in the hole. Once settled, correcting the alignment becomes nearly impossible without further disturbing the root system.

6. Backfilling the Hole: Soil should be replaced gently but firmly around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. Gradually watering during backfilling further ensures that no air voids remain, which could otherwise compromise root health.

7. Judicious Staking: Staking should be minimal and employed only when necessary. Research shows that unstaked trees typically develop stronger trunks and root systems, but staking may be essential in areas prone to high winds or with bare root trees. Stakes should be removed after the first growing season to promote natural strength development.

8. Proper Mulching: Mulching with a 2-3 inch layer of organic material conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and prevents weed growth. However, mulch must never pile against the trunk; leaving a small gap around the trunk reduces moisture buildup and prevents decay. Importantly, extend the mulch ring out to the drip line edge of the tree to protect feeder roots and enhance tree health.

9. Consistent Follow-up Care: Newly planted trees require vigilant care to thrive. Regular watering at least weekly, increasing frequency during hot or windy conditions, is vital. Additional steps include minor pruning of damaged branches, cautious and minimal pruning until after the tree has fully established, and careful trunk wrapping if necessary using biodegradable materials.

It truly irritates me that despite clear guidelines, so many people in the industry still fail to plant trees properly. Perhaps it stems from a lack of genuine care, or maybe it reflects the consumer's prioritization

of the lowest price over the highest quality. It is increasingly frustrating because a lot of people have lost sight of the intrinsic value of professional tree care compared to the immediate cost savings. Grass can be replaced quickly and cheaply, but a mature 40 or 50-year-old oak tree in your front yard near your home cannot be replaced easily, at all.

I strongly encourage homeowners and consumers to start checking and comparing instructions provided by landscapers and nurseries on how to plant trees. Not because they're intentionally misleading, but often because they simply lack the necessary knowledge and expertise. There's a significant difference between guidance from a truly certified arborist with real field experience and advice from a general landscaper or nurseryman. Understanding and recognizing this distinction is critical.

As part of comprehensive tree care services in Kansas City, I have encountered numerous instances where planting techniques directly influence tree health. Properly planted trees exhibit fewer issues with tree diseases and tree fungus, require less intensive tree insect control measures, and demonstrate greater resistance to problems like oak wilt and emerald ash borer infestations.

Performing regular tree health assessments allows early detection of issues and prompt treatment through targeted tree spraying services and specialized treatments. Investing in professional arborist services ensures the long-term health and vitality of your trees.

By dedicating careful attention to planting practices, we set trees on a path toward robust growth and longevity. It is a crucial investment in our urban forests, ecosystems, and communities. Properly planted trees provide immense benefits—shading buildings, reducing energy costs, filtering pollutants, managing stormwater, enhancing property values, and contributing to overall quality of life.

Planting a tree is not just a singular act; it's a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Ensuring the tree’s initial establishment is done with precision, care, and knowledge is essential.

 

                                  

 

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