Are you planning to plant some trees in 2019? Whether you are moving into a new house and are starting from scratch when it comes to landscaping or you are just sick and tired of your current landscaping, tree planting is a great way to change the look of your home. However, tree planting takes careful consideration and planning to ensure that you do it safely and properly.
When to Plant Trees
The best time to plant trees is during the dormant season. This is during the fall after the leaves have fallen or in early spring before the trees begin to bud. That is because during these times the temperatures are cooler and this allows time for your planted trees to establish roots before the rain in the spring and heat in the summer encourage new growth. You can plant trees during the growing season, but they will need to be wrapped in burlap or balled, or you will need to choose a container tree. With spring just a few months away, it’s a great time to start planning your tree planting for the coming season.
How to Properly Plant a Tree
When it comes time to plant a tree, you will need to locate all underground utilities before you dig. There should be a local number to call to have utilities come out and mark the lines, and you’ll want to give them at least a couple days’ notice before you plan to plant. Once you’ve obtained your trees and had the utility lines marked you will begin to dig a shallow and broad hole. The hole needs to be at least twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball. That’s because you need to have the tree flare visible once the tree is planted.
After you’ve dug the right sized hole, you will cut the wire basket or remove the container. Inspect the root ball for circling roots, and if you find any, remove or straighten them. Then you will place the tree in the hole and straighten it. Have someone take a look at the tree from different angles to ensure that it is straight before you begin to backfill. Remember, when backfilling the tree, you will want to fill it gently, but firmly. Pack soil tightly around the root ball for stabilization and then continue to firmly pack the soil as you fill in the hole to reduce the risk of air pockets. You can also water the soil as you backfill to reduce air pockets.
Finally, if necessary, you should stake the tree. Trees typically develop a stronger root system and trunk if they are not staked, so only do so if necessary. Then you should spread mulch around the base of the tree. For proper maintenance, you will want to water the trees at least once a week to keep the soil moist, but be sure not to over water it.
Selecting the Right Tree for the Right Place
When you are planning your tree planting for the coming season you need to consider the different planting zones on your property. Behind your house where there are no power lines and you’re looking for shade, you can plant tall trees that reach over 60’. However, if you are planting a tree by your side walk closer to the street, they should reach no more than 20’ in height in order to avoid hitting power lines and requiring constant trimming. Your front lawn is considered the medium zone as you can select trees that reach 40’ in height. You don’t need to worry about power lines, but you don’t want a tree so large that branches could fall and damage your roof.
Types of Trees to Plant
When you are picking trees to plant around your home it is essential that you choose the right kind. Trees also need to be planted in the right location to ensure proper growth and avoid damage to your home or power lines.
If you are looking for something to plant right in front of your house, you should definitely consider shrubs because they do not grow as tall. However, these do require more maintenance since they will need to be trimmed regularly, and those trimmings swept away and bagged.
For trees to plant by the road or closer to your house, you will want a tree that doesn’t get any higher than 20’. Ornamental trees like Japanese Maples, Crabapple, and Dogwood trees are stunning and typically don’t get higher than 20’ at maturity. With beautiful flowers and buds, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views every spring. However, if you don’t want to see the fallen petals littering your landscape beds or yard, you will need to rake them up. Other than that, these trees require little trimming or maintenance, unless they grow close to power lines.
For those who want shade trees for the backyard, there are countless options available. A honey locust tree is tough and can grow up to 50 feet tall. Oak, Maple, and Walnut trees are also great for shade trees. These will grow up to 80’ and spread far enough to shade large portions of your backyard. These trees do drop pods and leaves in the fall, so you’ll need to rake them up in order to keep your lawn green, but other than that they require no maintenance unless you need to trim them back from a garage or shed.
If you are looking for trees that don’t lose their leaves and maintain their appearance year-round, pine trees are great. A Ponderosa Pine can reach almost 100’ at maturity, but there are shorter options available like Spruce and Arborvitae. These trees are also good for privacy if you want to separate your yard from neighbors, but you will need to worry about prickly needles and raking up pinecones.
Landscaping Supplies & Tools Required for Planting Trees
When you are planting trees there are some tools and landscape supplies that you just cannot live without. First, you will need a solid shovel to dig your hole. There are many options available, but a versatile round point shovel will get the job done. You’ll also want to get a good pair of gloves to keep your hands from blistering as you dig. Finally, once the tree is in, you will need some good organic soil for backfilling. Mulch is also a necessity, so be sure to get enough to put a 2” to 4” layer around the base of the tree to lock in moisture and encourage strong growth.
Let the Experts at Kurtz Bros., Inc. Help with Your 2019 Tree Planting
If you are planning to plant any trees in 2019 you want to make sure that you have the right equipment to get the job done. At Kurtz Bros., Inc., we have everything you need to make your tree plantings a success. From nutrient-rich organic soils necessary for backfilling to shovels, gloves, wheelbarrows, and mulch, we have the landscaping tools and supplies that your job requires. Give us a call or stop in to one of our stores to view the wide selection of landscape supplies and tools that we offer and chat with our in-store experts to choose just what you need to successfully complete your task.