Two common styles of trees are container-grown trees , which spend their entire nursery lives growing in a container , and balland-burlap trees , which grow in the ground until they achieve a targeted size .
A well-tended container-grown tree has been carefully monitored and moved into larger containers as the plant grows . Be wary of a tree with roots that circle or twist within the container , which may cause roots to die . For a ball-and-burlap tree , look for a firm , securely tied root ball that is large enough to support the mature tree ; it should be about 10-12 inches wide for every inch of trunk diameter .
Prepare Your Planting Site
Properly preparing your planting site is one of the best things you can do to get your tree off to a strong start . Before you plant , make sure your tree is thoroughly hydrated by watering the container or root ball several hours before proceeding . When planting a tree into a lawn , remove a circle of grass at least 3 feet in diameter where the tree will go to reduce competition between turf and fine tree roots .
Start Digging
Dig a broad , shallow planting hole with gently sloping sides 3-4 times wider than the diameter of the root mass and the same depth . Mound removed soil on a tarp for easy backfilling . Loosening the soil on the sides of the hole allows roots to easily expand and establish faster , but don ’ t disturb soil at the bottom of the hole .
Once the tree is positioned , replace the soil while firmly but gently tamping the original soil around the base of the root ball to stabilize it . Create a water-holding basin around the tree by building up a ring of soil and water to settle roots . Spread protective mulch 2-4 inches deep in a 3-foot diameter around the base of the tree , but not touching the trunk .
Find more tips to successfully plant and care for your trees at arborday . org .
A Handy Guide for Planting Trees
A rally cry against climate change , “ Now is the Time for Trees ” is an inspirational and informative guide that explains the important role trees can play in preserving the environment .
Author Dan Lambe , CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation , offers compelling reasons to plant more trees while providing simple , actionable steps to get involved , choose the right tree and achieve planting success . For each book sold , the foundation will plant a tree in a forest in need .
Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit arborday . org / TimeforTreesBook .
The Power of Trees
From backyards to tropical rain forests , trees provide the necessities of life . Trees clean air and water , provide habitats for wildlife , connect communities and support human health .
n Trees are a proven affordable , natural way to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere . n Trees filter water and slow storm surge and flooding in cities . n Trees provide shade , cooling cities by up to 10 degrees , which can help prevent heat-related deaths . n Neighborhood trees can reduce stress , improve overall health in children and encourage physical activity . n Trees support wildlife and aquatic life by providing habitats and helping keep waterways healthy , which ensures ecosystem balance and promotes biodiversity . n Trees and other forest life work together to ensure a clean source of drinking water , buffer against extreme weather , provide medicines , offer outdoor recreation and enrich human culture .
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
12 Big Bend Real Estate Guide • May 2022