How to Plant Trees

Dwight Barnett, ISA Certified ArboristEmployed by Public

Thomas SolinskiDirector, SoundForest.org

Friday, January 10, 2014

1. Evaluate the planting site2. Select a suitable species3. Purchase and plant4. Protect, mulch, and water


Only a few species can tolerate full shade


Drainage


Texture______Depth______Rocks______pH______


Example of problem soils


Drought tolerance Ease of transplanting Availability Price Diversity of species Growth rate Looks Lifespan Pests Structural strength


American persimmon Diospora virginiana

+ takes drought+ tolerates compaction

well+ long-lived+ strong+ interesting bark, glossy

leaves+ fruit, if you like fruit. - can get bigger than mid-

sized on good sites- fruit can be messy

Lacebark elm Ulmus parvifolia•+ tough•+ tolerates compaction and wetness•+ trim form•+ beautiful bark•+ relatively pest free•+ grows fairly fast•- branches sometimes sag and need crown raising

Overcup oak Quercus lyrata•+ takes drought and wetness well•+ tolerates compaction

well for an oak•+ strong•+ long lived•+ good for wildlife•- hosts a number of insects, as do all oaks, but

these are seldom a problem. Gypsy moth will

be a problem•- on good site can get a bit bigger than mid-sized•- like all oaks, can be a

little difficult to transplant

Chinese Pistache Pistache chinenis•+ Extremely drought and heat resistant•+ Easy to transplant•+ Pest free•+ Very long lived•+ Strong limbs•+ Grows fairly fast (over three feet per

year in our experience)•+ Good shape•+ Fall color like a sugar maple•Can be leggy and awkward when small•May require initial selective pruning to provide a more attractive branching pattern. Easily done, though.


Horticulturalist Urban forester Certified arborist SoundForest.org Extension agent Large nursery

Two experts in the field

Solinsky & Barnett


Balled in burlap

Bare-root

Cuttings

ContainerFriday, January 10, 2014

One trunkNot headed backNo scarsGood taper – not spindly


No loose soil on top of root mass

No circling roots

Root ball is big enough for top (meets ANSI Z60.1 standards)


Look for a small tree in a big tub!

No circling roots


Small stock:CheaperEasier to handleBetter survivalRecover fasterOutgrow large stock

$40.

$300

+installation


Recently dug Stored “mulched in” Handled carefully


B in B and container

Bare root in winter only


4 times diameter of root ball


Never move tree

by the trunk


No dirt on top of root ball

NO!


“Rooting medium” Dries out fast Hard for roots to

spread

Circling Roots


Require careful handling Don’t need watering High survival Easy Inexpensive


At least 18” deep 6 months aheadFriday, January 10, 2014

Bare root seedlings are delicate

Store in cool shaded place. Don’t let freeze Plant ASAP Close bags while planting Put in buckets of water for

planting NEVER let roots dry out


No “J’ rootsAt or just above root collarFirm in soil – no air pockets


Weed control is vital… …before and after planting

Tall stock overtops weeds


Survival is high (if done right) Recovery is fast Watering is optional

And…

Earth Day is too late to plant!


CottonwoodSycamoreWillowSilky dogwoodButton bush


W I D E !3-4” shallow Friday, January 10, 2014

Trim

Spray

Mulch wide


He that plants trees loves others besides himself.– Thomas Fuller

We plant trees not for ourselves, but for future generations.– Caecilus Statius, 220-168 B. C.

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.– Dr. Martin Luther King

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.– Greek Proverb


How to Plant Trees

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