Trees make a lovely addition to any property. You may want to add fruit-bearing trees to your garden, or you may simply want to add trees to increase the aesthetics of your property. Whatever the reason, they offer a wealth of benefits. Trees can help to reduce heating bills by deflecting the wind in the winter and lower energy bills in the summer by providing shade. Homes with trees also have a higher market value than those without. The environment also gets a boost by offering a natural home for animals while increasing the oxygen levels at the same time. One thing is for certain, adding a tree or two to your property is a great way to bring a host of benefits to your property.
The Proper Way to Plant a Tree
Now that you have decided to plant some trees, it is important that you go about it in the proper fashion. Trees are living things and can suffer or die if they are not transported and planted correctly. If you are in doubt, you can always call the professional arborists here at Five Star Tree Services to help with your tree planting.
Planting Your Tree
The first thing you should do is create a wide hole that surrounds the trunk of the tree. Do a perk test on the drainage of the area surrounding the tree. Next, place the root ball into the hole and then cover the whole area with milled soil. Water the soil lightly to help it settle and then add mulch over the soil.
According to the majority trained of arborists, most trees are planted too deep. The root ball is placed too far underground which can cause the roots to choke and the tree to become malnutrition. On the other hand, an equal number of trees are planted too firmly which prevents the soil from breathing. Tightly packed soil tends to stay wet and can hinder tree growth.
When Should You Plant?
Fall is generally the best time to plant or transplant a tree. The weather is mild and there is enough moisture in the air to allow the roots a chance to grow.
How Do I Measure The Hole?
Before you dig, you should measure the size of your root ball. The hole should be the just slightly larger than the root ball and the depth should match. Avoid glazed holes because they can prevent the roots from growing properly.
Adequate Drainage
You must have the right amount of drainage to have a healthy tree. To verify it, dig your hole and fill it with water. If the water is still there the next day, you don’t have the right drainage for your tree.
Make the Root Ball
If your tree comes in burlap, you should leave it on during planting. Make sure there is no wire, plastic or twine since they will not decompose as burlap does. Trees in plastic containers should be removed before planting, and those that come in soil should be shaped into a birds nest.
Mulching
Once you have your tree placed, you will need to finish by mulching it. You should produce a mix of compost and mulch with the level of mulch tapered. The farther away from the tree, the more mulch you should have. Avoid planting grass over the tree until the roots have had properly established themselves.
How We Can Help
There are so many benefits to be seen when you add trees to your property. If you are thinking about planting some trees, or if you need help, Five Star Tree Services are always on call at (416) 990-3355. Our knowledgeable arborists are standing by to help you with any questions you may have, or we can come out to your location to help in person. We look forward to helping you with any your future tree removal or service needs!