Trees & Shrubs
Over the coming months we will be adding information about trees. To get this section started I am adding a rather general article about planting trees.
When considering the use of trees in a landscape garden there a re a number of very important factors that you should consider before planting your very first tree.
Tree Size
A pretty little tree bought on a whim may well look wonderful, covered in blossom and sweet smelling, just right for adding that little something to your backyard. However not all trees take a lifetime to mature and most grow to become enormous. If you really do have limited space it is extremely important that you choose a slow growing variety, a dwarf variety or one which, when fully grown, does not overpower your garden.
The spread of trees also varies considerably, some grow tall and thin while others grow low but wide, some are dense and others are free flowing and open. Obviously a wide, dense, bushy tree will impart a great deal of shade and could kill any plant life in it's shade. Also you do not want to plant a tree where the resulting shade will cause problems, such as near a picture window.
Roots and the type of root structure of a tree is very important. Nearly all trees have invasive roots which can damage property directly or indirectly, by drying out the land so greatly that it damages foundations etc. You should ensure that all trees are planted a safe distance from any building or structure that may be damaged.
So when you are choosing a specimen tree for your garden, the centerpiece of your wonderful landscape design, consider the above facts carefully and you will be able to appreciate the true beauty of nature without worries.
When you have chosen your trees it is important that you take great care to minimize the stress to the tree while it is transferred and planted in your garden. Most of us will buy our trees from a nursery or a nursery catalog and most will be young trees either bare root or pot grown (or in a ball). Young trees are easy to handle and pose least risk whereas transplanting a fully mature tree is fraught with danger, not only to the tree but to others and property!
If you are planing to add a mature tree to your garden design I strongly advise employing a professional who will understand the trees needs and the safety measures to be taken. He should also be able to advise about the suitability of the tree for the local area and its position in your garden. A young tree is far easier and cheaper too, with a mature tree you are paying for the time it has taken to mature and the fact that it will not grow much more whereas a young tree is quickly produced and will grow quickly in its first years.
When & How To Plant Trees
Although there are products on the market which allow you to plant a tree while it is in full leaf, such as wilt-proof sprays which reduce the moisture losses incurred while the roots are establishing themselves, it is generally better to plant a tree while it is in its dormant stage. Some plant trees in the fall or even in winter but I have found that I get most success when I plant my trees in early spring when it is easier for me to keep any eye on it (I don't like going out in the cold, wet and windy weather).
Soil preparation is really important and can make a big difference to how soon your new tree establishes itself. It is such an important subject that we will cover it in more depth later but for now I will introduce a few simple things that you should do. Firstly, and obviously, you need to dig a hole of a suitable size to take the trees roots, for a tree of about six feet in height it should be around two feet deep and wide enough to allow about a foot free space around the roots.
At the bottom of your hole you will need to loosen the soil and mix in some humus material, fully matured compost, leaf mold or peat, and maybe some very slow release fertilizer such as bone meal. Try to create a good depth of your mix at the bottom of the hole, remove any subsoil, rocks or rubble and replace it with your mix.
When the hole is done flood it with water and when it has drained you can add the tree and surround the roots with your mix gently firming it as you go to ensure it stays straight but also to avoid air pockets. Spread the roots as you go ensuring that the tree is planted at the same depth at which it was previously. Just before the hole is filled completely (about two-thirds full) flood it with water again and allow to drain. Then fill completely.
Throughout the first year keep a close eye on your trees watering them often to ensure that the soil remains moist. Adding manure or mulch will help and will also help to keep weeds to a minimum.
Important Note: Do not add manure or any other material that is likely to decompose further, around the roots, as the heat generated could damage them! You can dress the top of your soil around the tree when it is planted but keep it at a distance and let nature do the rest.
More articles about trees & shrubs:
Trees & Shrubs Tree Care- Tree Care
- Caring for Fruit Trees
- Caring For Tender Trees Or Shrubs
- Deadly Fruit Tree Disease
- Protecting Trees with Tree Shelters
- Planting A Tree Or Shrub
- Transplanting Trees
- Choosing A New Tree Or Shrub For Your Garden, Yard or Backyard
- Popular Garden Trees
- Hazel Trees
- Willow Trees
