Planting a new tree in your yard is an investment in the future since it will take many years for it to properly mature. This means you want to make sure it doesn't meet any unfortunate ends during its early years. The following are a few mistakes to avoid if you want your new tree to grow tall and healthy.
#1: Confining the roots
Roots are the key to a healthy, long-lived tree. When planting a new tree, make sure it is placed where the roots have plenty of room to spread out. You don't want to place it too near structures or paving, since these can confine the roots. Anything buried underground can also act as a root barrier. Generally, the roots will grow to a diameter at least equal to the expected mature width of the tree canopy. Make sure the site you choose can accommodate roots of this size.
#2: Creating a "mulch volcano
Mulch is great for a young tree – it keeps competing plants from growing too closely and it also conserves soil moisture. There can be too much of a great thing, though. A mulch volcano is when the mulch and the soil is built up around the trunk of the tree. This leads to rot on the wood and the eventual death of your young tree. Mulch over the soil should be no more than 3 inches deep and it shouldn't rest against the trunk. Also, avoid building up a wall encircling the trunk with edging bricks and then filling it to the top with soil. If you want to edge in the tree, simply apply the 3 inches of mulch but avoid filling in the edging with additional soil.
#3: Skipping framework pruning
Young trees require yearly pruning to help them produce a strong and balanced framework of branches. This is most easily achieved by beginning in the first spring after planting. At this time, any branches on the lower half of the trunk are usually trimmed off, as well as any branches within the canopy that are crossed or rubbing together. Pruning is then did annually in late winter until the tree reaches its mature size, at which time most landscape trees no longer require annual trims. Keeping up with the trimming when young helps prevent major structural issues later on that can lead to branch breakage or the death of the tree.
Contact a tree service, such as Jonny's Tree & Landscaping Co., LLC, in your area for more help.
Share27 July 2017
About a year ago, I realized that part of the reason the plants in my yard kept dying was the fact that they were planted in the wrong places. I didn't pay much attention to which plants needed certain amounts of light, and it was costing them their lives. Several of the plants were really struggling to live, and it was really hard to see. I realized that if I ever wanted to make things right, I would need to create a landscaping plan that would work well for the natural landscape of my yard. This blog is all about understanding landscaping.
