Every planted tree helps to protect the global climate. But there are many other good reasons to plant a tree. Trees are our livelihood and made us what we are, we come from the forest, they beautify your own garden and give you a rich harvest of fruits or nuts in autumn. They serve as an adventure playground for children and adults for relaxation. But what exactly do you have to consider when planting a tree? Here are some tips and tricks for planting trees.
How to Plant a Tree – Considerations
When choosing the right tree species, you should pay attention to which are native to your area. Local tree species are well adapted to the prevailing climate and can thrive in your garden better than some exotic trees. Know the properties of the soil in your garden whether it is particularly loamy, nutrient-rich or poor, etc. Because that is also an important criterion for choosing the right tree. Once you have decided on the variety, select the location that suits you. Will the tree grow very tall? Will he have a rather broad crown later? Does he prefer shady spots or does he love the sun? How much distance should be left to other trees, to the garden fence or to the house? If you are not sure which tree suits you and your garden, then you can get advice from a tree nursery.
Remember that a tree is also a living being. Make absolutely sure that the roots do not dry out. Always provide the root with sufficient water during transport and storage
When is the correct planting time?
Trees are best planted during the rest period – in autumn after leaf fall or in spring before bud break. Plants that have been grown in pots or tubs can be planted all year round as long as there is no frost in the ground.
Where is the best location?
Soil quality is particularly important: is it a rather light sandy soil or a heavier type of soil? If you also know whether it is lime-rich neutral or acidic soil and whether the site is wet, well-humidified or dry, you can’t go wrong.
Plan enough space – The roots of a tree are as wide as its crown. When it rains, most of the water runs down the edge of the crown and waters run to the roots of the tree. They are best able to absorb the nutrients dissolved in the water. So when buying a tree or planting a free-standing tree, consider the future size of its crown. The tree will not form a large, even crown near a house or other walls. Rather, due to limited root growth, the crown will also develop poorly.
How is the planting hole prepared?
The heavier the soil, the bigger the planting hole should be. Holes should be 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball. Depending on the nature of the soil, add plant soils, mulch or some sand in the planting hole.
What happens to the root ball?
Plants grown in pots can be easily lifted out of the pot and planted. In plants with root balls, after planting the bales, they should be only slightly lower than the surface of the earth in the planting hole. After inserting the bale, the planting hole can be filled. Then water well!
Should I stake the tree?
You need to fill the hole and pack soil around the root ball to stabilize it. Firmly packing the soil eliminates air pockets that may dry out roots and later when the soil settles will loosen the tree. Reduce air pockets by watering while filling the plant hole. Depending on the size of the tree and exposure to winds, the tree must be secured with a support stake. Tighten loosely to prevent cutting into the bark. Place the support post into the prevailing wind/weather direction.
Watering, how much water does the tree need?
After planting, the trees must be watered regularly. Proper watering is also important so that there is a tight seal between the roots and soil. A watering rim along the edge of the planting pit allows effective watering and provides the tree properly with water. Keep on watering the new tree regularly especially during long periods without rain. Don’t fertilize at the time of planting, wait until the next season.
Should the tree be pruned?
Digging out the trees in the nursery, greatly reduces the established root system. Cropping and cutting the tree may help, especially when planting in larger young trees. Pruning is not necessary for trees nursed and grown in a pot.
Follow-up care
Inspect the tree regularly, look for parasites and sickness. Treat accordingly if necessary. Water the trees frequently in periods without rain and more frequently during very hot, windy weather.
Considerations for Special tree species
You should take care of peculiarities of certain tree types when planning those in your garden
- Poplar pyramid and wisteria are extremely growth-friendly plants that, planted too close to the sewage system, can damage it. They are all the more suitable to enliven corners, for example in front gardens, that appears boring without interesting planting.
- Magnolias or laburnum are also good for decorating remote corners of the garden. Like all trees and shrubs that are to bloom abundantly, they need a sunny spot, otherwise, the flowers will be lean.
- Birch, rowan, and hawthorn are among the trees that can withstand very exposed locations.
Soggy and very moist soils are suitable for willow, alder, and spruce. - Hornbeam can tolerate dry soils, which is actually a shrub-like tree and is therefore easy to shape. Hornbeams are a particularly good choice for hedges.
- The black pine, in turn, needs so much moisture that almost nothing thrives in its immediate vicinity.
- Birch trees can be difficult in a small garden: their roots quickly plow through large parts of the site and are difficult to tame.
- The popular vinegar tree, form runners that can become a nuisance for vegetable and flower beds.
- Poplars and ash trees can be dangerous for everything that is underground: supply lines, drain pipes, etc. They also hinder the growth of shrubs that are nearby.
- Willow can hinder the growth of other plants. Its low roots quickly grow towards the water. If you have a pond in your garden, don’t plant a willow.
- Nut trees secrete bitter substances that hinder the growth of other plants nearby.
- Some Prunus species, which include many fruit trees such as which includes the fruits plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and almonds, can cause problems with your lawn. The strong rootstock on which the scion has been grafted onto tends to form root runners that interfere with mowing the lawn. Cutting back these root runners regularly can take some time.
Not only your visual preferences play a role in choosing the right trees for your garden: Above all, pay attention to the needs of each tree and the space that it and its roots take up.