Unless you’re some kind of alien from a stone-cold world, our guess is that at least one tree has caught your fancy!
People can plant trees through both natural and human-guided methods, but proper planting is essential for a tree to thrive and live a long, healthy life.
One Senior Class, Long Ago
“Dude, I know what our senior prank should be!”
“What?”
“Let’s plant a tree in the middle of the football field!”
“Sounds dumb. Let’s do it.”
Inspired by true events, one senior class attempted just that—but they didn’t plant the tree correctly, nor did they choose the right location! Proper planting is crucial to ensure the tree thrives and to prevent, in this case, school officials from having to remove it unnecessarily.
When to Plant
Dormant seasons (the fall after leaf drop or the early spring before bud break) are optimal times to properly plant a new tree.
Plant during cool weather months, with ample time for the roots to take hold before rains or the heat kicks in. Avoid planting during a specific tree’s growing season to help prevent the plant tissues from drying up.
Planting needs to occur after the chance of frost passes for the year.
Additionally, If you live in an area where things grow year-round, any time of the year is typically good enough to plant.
Don’t stress about it: preventing transplant shock constitutes the basis of properly planting a tree.
What is Transplant Shock?
According to our friends at Trees Are Good, it’s a state of slowed growth and reduced vitality following tree transplantation.
Transplant shock can easily occur for various reasons: balled-and-burlapped trees from the nursery lose a significant portion of their roots, and roots can become girdled (circled) or kinked. Cutting the roots can potentially worsen transplant shock.
If you want to add to California’s Palm tree landscape, transplant the Palm tree in the early summer to prevent transplant shock.
The 9 Steps for Proper Planting
Our ISA Certified Arborists at Sims Tree Health Specialists (and the Trees Are Good team) recommend following these proper planting steps for a tree’s best chance at a long and happy life:
Dig a planting hole. It should measure 2-3 times wider than the root ball and only be as deep as the root ball.
Remove any coverings from around the root ball and the tree trunk. Look over the root ball for girdling roots, carefully straightening them. If necessary, cut or remove them.
Place the tree at its proper height.
ALWAYS lift the tree from the root ball. NEVER lift from the trunk.
Planting trees too deeply negatively affects them as their roots struggle to grow through the top 12 inches of soil.
With another pair of eyes checking from different angles, straighten the tree in the hole.
Gently and firmly fill the planting hole with soil, packing around the root ball and eliminating air pockets.
Let the tree’s roots and trunk “exercise” to increase their “muscle.”
Don’t use stakes unless it’s necessary, like when planting in a high-wind location. MULCH!
Keep the soil moist by following proper watering techniques.
If the trunk flare isn’t easily seen, remove the extra soil! After the tree is planted, the trunk flare should be partly visible.
More Tips for Proper Planting
Our ISA Certified Arborists at Sims Tree Health Specialists recommend mulching, as it retains moisture in the soil and keeps the roots cool. Mulch in a 4-inch layer around the tree, being careful not to lay it down close to the trunk. As mulch breaks down, it introduces organic material into the soil, helping with soil compaction and nutrient uptake.
It’s highly recommended not to fertilize a newly planted tree. Typically, a newly planted tree does not have the capability to use the fertilizer to their advantage yet. Consult an ISA Certified Arborist first if applying a slow-release liquid fertilizer may be right for your tree.
Slowly water the newly planted tree at the base during the time of planting. In extremely hot, dry, or windy conditions, (hello, So-Cal Deserts!), watering 2-3 times a week may be required.
“We just got together. Now you want to change me?”
Avoid pruning your newly planted trees. Only remove branches that show signs of disease or injury.
Root barriers help prevent roots from growing where they shouldn’t go. Rather than placing a root barrier around the roots of the planted tree, install it along the foundation of the neighboring building.
When used improperly, root barriers can cause the roots to girdle. Trees can become structurally unsound and dangerous, posing as a menace to society!
The Golden Rules for Proper Planting
In the Golden State, where nearly 40 million people and more every day call their home, it’s important to find the right spot to plant a new tree!
Call the U.S. National Call-Before-You-Dig hotline at 811 to help locate underground utilities before digging!
Hate phone calls? Search the California 811 website: https://www.california811.org/
Speak with your trusted ISA Certified Arborist at Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. -- they’ll help you identify the proper planting place by following these Golden Rules:
Look UP – are there power lines? Rooftops? Possible alien invasions?
Tall growing trees near overhead obstacles may require more pruning, resulting in shortened lifespans.
Look DOWN – are sidewalks nearby? Driveways? Utility lines?
Roots extend to the drip line (the farthest areas the branches can reach!)
Often, roots can extend even further.
Still unsure if you’re planting properly. Call the Sims Tree Health Specialists team to schedule an ISA Certified Arborist to assess your tree’s planting needs.
About Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc.
Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, education, improved health, and safety of trees. Sims THS has provided California’s Urban Forests with premium healthcare since 1972. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.simsths.com/
Sims THS offers services with our ISA Certified Arborists in the following:
Diagnosis and Disease Management, Pest Suppression, Organic Solutions, Fruit Suppression, Drought Protection, and Arborist Assessment Reports and Preservation Plans.
In addition to providing quality tree health services, the Sims family is known for their educational pursuits. In 1996, they started the Sims Tree Learning Center (TLC), a 6-acre botanical garden and research facility sponsored by Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. The facility houses multiple types of gardens, including a cactus and succulent garden and one of the largest collections of Palms in the Inland Empire. Learn with us!
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