This is the question:
How easy is it to plant a tree?
That is most certainly not a dumb question. But often its only half a question. Why? Because when most people ask the question, they really want to know how easy it is to plant trees successfully so that they thrive and grow to maturity.
Another point to remember is that some trees are easier to grow than others, regardless of your level of expertise. Ill have some suggestions for you in this column. But first, lets think about the absolute basics of introducing the tree into your landscape.
Different varieties of trees have different needs, but these are basic planting tips:
- Select a site with enough room for roots and branches to reach full size. Avoid overhead and underground utilities.
- Prepare a planting area as deep as the root ball and three to five times its diameter by loosening the soil.
- Dig a hole in the middle of the area and set the root ball even with the ground level.
- Use water to settle soil and remove air pockets in planting area.
- Stake the tree to flex with the wind only if tree is unable to stand up to wind.
- Spread a two to three inch layer of mulch on entire area, but not within six inches of tree trunk.
There are ways you can put the odds in your favor when it comes to planting trees that are more likely to thrive and grow successfully. Here's a word I want you to remember: Transplants
Transplants are hardier, huskier, and more all around balanced plants than seedlings. When planted in your landscape, the transplant has a greater chance of survival since it has already survived the shock of being transplanted once at the nursery.
With spring in the air, lets think about some beautiful flowering trees that work very well (and are much easier to grow) as transplants.
White Flowering Cherry Blossom (Prunus yedoensis). This is also known as Yoshino Cherry and is a rapidly growing tree that is extraordinarily beautiful in Spring when it is covered with white blossoms that resemble cotton candy. These trees can eventually reach 40 ft. and make excellent street trees.
Kwanzan Cherry is the showiest of all Japanese trees. I love the awesome bundles of large pink blossoms that last longer than those of other flowering cherries.
Redbud tree is a beautiful ornamental tree that perfect for the small garden as well as more ambitious landscaping projects. Unlike the native Redbud trees (cercis Canadensis), the Forest Pansy has blooms of a deep maroon color.
Dogwood Kousa (Cornus kousa). Also known as a Japanese flowering dogwood, the Kousa is not as susceptible to disease as the white dogwood, and that’s a major benefit. Great as a specimen, in groupings or near a patio, it blooms later, around June with a softer petal flower.
So, if you're looking for an easier and more foolproof way of planting healthy successful trees without a lot of worry or risk, remember to look for transplants!
