PLANT TREES PROPERLY

Tree planting time is at hand, January and February are the best times, and here are a few guidelines. To begin, select a tree 4 to 8 feet tall as soon as nurseries get supplies.  Plant as soon as possible, using care not to let roots dry out or freeze.

Dig the hole only as large as the tree’s root system.  If the hole is too deep, the tree will settle and this can cause poor growth or death. The taproot should sit in the bottom of the hole.  If the hole cannot be as deep as the length of the roots, cut back the taproot to fit the hole. Pack original soil around roots as tightly as possible. Packing the soil in 2 to 3 inch layers is better than watering to pack the soil.  Use adjacent soil to complete filling the hole, not light soil, sand or potting soil.  The tree can drown in rainy weather if light fill soils are used on clay land. Plant the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery row.  Look at the colors to determine the soil line:  the bark is gray and the root is dark brown.

Cut off the top half of the tree at planting to balance the stem and roots and to force growth close to the soil line. Wrap the lower 18 inches of the trunk with aluminum foil to prevent side shoots, sun scald and rabbit damage.  On large plantings, use a mixture of white latex paint and water (one part paint to three parts water).

Build a basin around the tree to hold water and give each tree five gallons of water immediately after planting.  Make sure trees do not go longer than 14 days without water.  For more information contact the County Extension Office.

Educational programs conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.  The information given herein is for educational purposes only.  Reference to commercial or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied.

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