KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – Fall tree planting

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Fall is really the ideal planting time for trees and large bushes. Most nurseries and garden centers will discount these in the fall in order to not have to store them over winter. Planting now will give the trees 6-8 weeks to assimilate before the hard freeze sets in. When spring comes the trees already have a head start and will take off!

Planting methods are similar for container and burlap wrapped root ball trees. The main difference is size of the hole. Container trees need a hole 3-4 times as wide as the container. Root ball trees a little smaller, 2-3 times. Although the root ball hole is smaller it’s recommended to rototill an additional 2 feet for optimum root spread.

Carefully remove the container tree from the pot. Don’t just pull up at the trunk, the trunk and root ball could separate. Same with burlap covered root ball. Always carry holding underneath the ball. Containerized trees will often be somewhat root bound. Take a small sharp knife and make an X on the bottom of the root ball and make four vertical slices on the sides. Burlap wrapped tree balls need to be removed carefully. Some small pieces left are fine unless burlap is treated, then remove completely. Place in the hole keeping the trunk as straight as possible. 

Fill the hole with the original soil and tamp down. Add more soil as necessary. Filling in with soil seems obvious but care needs to be taken here for healthy tree growth. Air pockets can form easily when filling in and these are NOT good. They will lead to root death. I fill the soil half way then water well. Fill in the rest going up to but not covering the root collar. Again tamp down firmly and water thoroughly.

Container and burlap root trees both need much for optimum moisture control and root growth. Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and at least a three feet diameter across the tree. Natural mulch is best, I’m not a colored mulch fan. But whatever mulch you use its most important that it never touch the trunk. Better yet, keep at least 4 inches from the trunk. Mulch touching the trunk is an invitation for disease and insects.

Again water well. Keep the soil and mulch moist. Water thoroughly at the drip line weekly until the hard frost. A slow trickle hose for two hours is best, move around the dripline every ½ hour. After planting, water is the single most important thing for tree planting success.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO