Earth Day is here again, and it’s a great time to do something constructive for our shared environment. Planting a tree is a great way to bring shade, oxygen, and storm-runoff protection to your outdoor space, so follow these steps to complete a project that will pay off for years to come.
Planning Your Tree Planting
Springtime is an opportune time to plant your tree thanks to the long seasons of warmer weather ahead. Planting in the late fall or dead of winter could make the tree’s early days difficult, as the cold weather and frigid ground could be harmful for a young plant. If a healthy sapling’s roots are properly bailed and wrapped in burlap, it can enjoy a wide planting window throughout the growing season, but the sooner you get it in the ground, the sooner it can take root and thrive.
Planting a Tree
To get started, unwrap the root ball of any burlap or covering that might block the roots from expanding, and straighten out any roots that have started curling. Then, dig a hole two or three times wider than the plant’s root ball. To move the tree, handle it by the root ball, not the trunk. When you lay the tree in the hole and cover the roots with dirt, make sure that the trunk flare at the base of the plant is still partially visible. Examine the tree from different angles to make sure it’s upright, then pack the dirt around it to make sure the ground is firm. You won’t need to fertilize the plant yet, but it will need weekly watering. You can add mulch around the tree, but keep the space around the trunk clear to discourage excess moisture. You might also need to support the sapling with stakes if the environment is windy.
Handle with Care
Imagine waking up and falling into a swimming pool–the abrupt change in environment can be jarring. Plants can experience a similar surprise when they are planted in the ground. The planting process introduces a young tree to new soil, complete with new minerals and conditions, which can lead to transplant shock. This condition can damage a portion of the tree’s root system, leading to a period of slowed growth. You might notice wilting or discolored leaves during this period. Many trees will recover from shock in time, and you can care for it by keeping it well watered and making sure the soil can drain properly.
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