It’s the time of the year again when the weather is warmer – which means, now is the best time to do some yard work. The weather during these months gives the most conducive environment to plant your tree. But planting and nurturing trees is not as easy as one, two three. It takes time and effort to allow the tree to take its foundation and grow as healthy as it can be.
There are also some things that you have to consider to make ensure that your trees will grow successfully.
Experts Pete Goderie from the Goderie’s Tree Farm in Johnstown, Bob Eaton from Bob’s Trees in Hagaman, and John Kulak of Kulak’s Nursery in Rexford offer their expert advice. So, there’s need to worry now, after you read this post, you’ll be equipped with the basics on how to take care of your tree.
1. Take Location into Consideration
Before you decide what trees you will take care of, you have to take into consideration where you will plant your tree. There are a lot of trees who need to get as much sun as they can. If you choose these kinds of trees, then your location must be exposed to sunlight. However, shrubs like hydrangeas, yews or hemlock, only need 50% sunlight, so if this is what your space can offer, then go for this option.
Next, you have to consider the soil as well. Is your soil sandy or clay? How wet is your soil? According to Kulak, only willows like wet soil.
You also have to think about how big your tree will grow when it becomes mature. Some trees reach up to 60 feet (or more) in its lifetime, so have to check the surroundings if it will obstruct your view, block a fence, powerline or wall; or it can serve as a windbreaker. You also wouldn’t want to plant it in leach field or somewhere near in a septic tank as it can destroy it once its roots start to grow.
Lastly, consider your soil’s ph level. Trees like evergreens and blueberries will need more acidic soil while hardwoods grow better in high ph or alkaline level.
2. Transplanting the Trees
Upon buying the trees, it will be balled and burlapped. When you transfer it in your homes, it’s not necessary to plant it immediately as there are trees that can stay out of the ground for two seasons as long as they are taken care of well. You just have to make sure that they are properly watered and their roots won’t dry out.
When you’re ready to plant the tree on the ground, you have to consider the diameter of the hole you will be digging to put it in place.
For example, if the ball is 40 inches in diameter and stem measures around 3 inches in diameter, then you should dig a hole that is 42 inches wide and 18 inches deep. But, all trees are unique, so the rule of the thumb is to dig a hole half as deep and wide as the ball.
For trees that came in plastic, make sure that the plastic is removed. But if the trees come in burlap, there is no need to take it out since burlaps will decompose a year or two.
Once you’ve completed the transplanting process, add nutrients to the hole.
3. How to Water your Trees
During the first week, watering your trees is very important. You have to water it every other day for the first two weeks to one month. You can do a slow trickle using a hose for 45 minutes. But you should not overwater but don’t let it dry out as well. Sandy soil will need more frequent watering.
After two weeks to a month, you have to water it once a week (preferably on the same day) until the ground freezes. This can take for up to a year before a tree can manage on its own. Use protective wrap during winter so rabbits and mice won’t nibble the bark.
After three to four years, you can start pruning the trees by shaping it and removing the deadwood. Just make sure you do the pruning weeks after it blossoms. Taking care of the trees is not an easy feat. Taking care of trees is like taking care of your child. You need to dedicate time and attention to give it proper care until it can already stand on its own. When in need of a local tree service always go with a reputable one, as it can make all the difference!
There can be a lot of consideration when taking care of a tree, but one thing is for sure: once you see how successfully you’ve grown it and how beautifully it has become, you’ll surely say that everything is worth it. Always remember that the power to nurture is one of the most powerful things in the world.
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