Continued from How To Not Kill A Tree!

In the landscape, there is nothing more beautiful  than a majestic tree! They add stateliness and substance to any site while providing shade, creating wildlife habitats, cooling structures and people, reducing energy use, improving air quality, generating curb appeal, and controlling storm water run off.  The presence of trees and a nice landscape is also thought to reduce crime. Who would have thought? Unfortunately, it is estimated that 50% of newly planted trees do not survive beyond two years. Of those that do, many future problems may cause demise, least of which is improper placement and spacing.

In order to improve on the survival stats, following simple but important tips will ensure the tree planting you do today will be enjoyed by your family, and generations to follow. For success with trees, check out the info below and How To Not Kill A Tree! and Trees Say Don’t!- how to kill a tree!

13. Do not make flush cuts. Cut on the outside of the branch bark collar.
14. Stakes generally aren’t needed on small residential trees, but if they are, remove them after one year to avoid any damage.
15. Do not wrap the trunk with anything except a wide wire cage if animals are a problem.
16. Do not put mulch in contact with the trunk, and then pile mulch only 2 to 3 inches over the roots.
17. Do not put any type of fabric or plastic material under your mulch.
18. Do not stack items atop the roots; it causes soil compaction.
19. Take the ball roping off around the tree trunk. If the tree is in a container, remove the container before planting.
20. Divert water from the roots of trees that don’t like wet soil, but when you water, water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
21. Remove the top horizontal round of wire from the basket. It is not necessary to remove the entire basket.
22. Remove the burlap, regardless of type, from atop the ball and down several inches on the ball side. It is not necessary to remove all the burlap.
23. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root system to encourage lateral root growth out of the root ball. Do not amend backfill for individual tree holes. Only amend if the entire planting area can be equally amended. FORM & FUNCTION note: If the native soil is heavy clay or otherwise inhospitable, I recommend amending the soil with 1/3 compost and mixing well.
24. Dig your hole only as deep as the root system and do not put gravel in the bottom of the planting hole unless you install a drain to actively pull extra water away.

This is a Virginia Cooperative Extension publication 430-210: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-210/430-210.html Author: the late Bonnie Appleton, Extension Specialist, Hampton Roads AREC. I post this in Bonnie’s honor, whose contributions , teachings, and research of production and management strategies for the nursery, landscape, and arboriculture industries are extraordinary. Thank you Bonnie for you dedication and service!