Simple, Surprising Tips for Tree Planting & Maintenance
May/June 2007
Aubrey Vaughn
 |
ISTOCK / ASHOK RODRIGUES
|
Now is the perfect time for planting a new tree, whether for
shade, fruit, landscaping or just plain beauty. Plus, trees produce
clean oxygen and absorb climate-changing carbon dioxide.
RELATED CONTENT
SW Iowa Christmas tree farm having merry sales season despite bah-hum bug economy...
Just as some drivers don't carry insurance, critics doubt health coverage mandate would work...
Follow these four simple steps to help your seedlings make a smooth transition from pot to garden....
Finding the right plant, planting techniques, preparing the garden....
Many common pesticides are associated with a variety of health problems, especially for children. R...
When you're ready to plant a tree, key elements for success are
choose a good species for the site, dig a hole that's appropriate
in width and depth, and provide adequate water.
The garden centers will probably advise that you buy fertilizer
and even pesticides for your trees, too. But before you apply
either, consider expert advice that suggests less is truly more.
Ohio State University researcher
Dan Herms, who has a
doctorate in entomology, studies the interactions between trees and
pesticides and fertilizers, examining both intended and secondary
effects. Here, Herms explains why less fertilizer and less
pesticide equals healthier, happier trees.
Q: Ideally, what is the most effective way to
plant and grow a healthy tree?
A: In my opinion, there are three critical
elements. The first is to choose a tree that's adapted to the site
in terms of your soil pH, the light environment, the local
precipitation patterns and so forth. In many cases it's going to be
one that's native to the area ? but not always ? because urban
environments are so dramatically altered that they don't
necessarily resemble the local forest.
Second, plant carefully. A lot of problems are associated with
improper planting techniques. Many times trees are planted too
deeply and the hole isn't wide enough ? it should be much wider
than the rootball. The critical thing is water, especially with
newly transplanted trees. Even for an established tree, I think the
most important thing you can do for fostering health is watering
during droughts. And in my experience, trees do just fine without
fertilization. We've never fertilized any of our trees and the vast
majority of trees out there have never been fertilized.
