Knowing the time of year to plant trees is crucial to their successful growth and development. This important activity is an important planning process that must be well-timed, hence our focus; knowing when to plant trees.
This will be an interesting read for persons seeking to follow a comprehensive methodology. Here, we’re not only providing information on the best time to plant trees but also showing you how to do this.
In essence, this article is meant to help you plant for this activity. We’re confident you’ll find this informative.
Steps Involved In Planning Trees
Perfect timing for tree planting is just one step of several necessary measures. There are other important activities to carry out such as the planting location, as well as the care provided during and after planting.
All of these contribute to the growth and proper development of the tree.
Whatever your purpose for planting such tree(s), it’s important that you do it the right way. First, the timing is very essential. Planting trees at the wrong time won’t be of much help or impact.
In other words, your efforts may be wasted as such trees die off or their development becomes affected.
Knowing When to Plant a Tree: Perfect Timing
The perfect timing for tree planting is largely determined by climatic conditions.
Tropical and subtropical climates are favorable for all-year tree planting. Water will have to be insufficient supply to ensure they grow properly.
However, for temperate climatic conditions, tree planting has to be well-timed.
Trees do best when planted during the dormant season. Such dormant season usually lasts from fall to early spring. During this time, the weather condition is favorable and trees can grow or develop roots in their new location.
As spring rains and summer heat set in, young trees easily pick up with new top growth appearing.
From here on, the growth process is steady with all favorable conditions such as water, care, and adequate sunlight being present or available.
Transplant Shock
Most trees are transferred or transplanted from a nursery to their final location.
In the course of carrying out this activity, young trees lose parts of their root systems. This situation is known as transplant shock. It’s seen in a slowed growth where young plants lose their vigor.
The best way to handle transplant shock is by careful handling during planting. Additionally, there has to be proper care. This is provided during and after the tree planting process. So, what type of care is provided when planting a tree?
Several! Care provided includes watering, providing mulch, protection, weed control, and supplements.
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Watering
A tree will need to be planted in areas with well-drained soils.
Also, young trees will need to be frequently watered until their root systems are better developed. This type of care is mostly provided during the first and second years depending on whether it was transplanted or grown via seedlings.
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Providing Mulch
Young trees will require cool soil to grow better. This is where mulching comes into play. Mulching not only serves to keep the soil cool but also traps in moisture, thus ensuring that the soil condition is favorable and the plant gets sufficient water.
There are lots of mulching materials to consider.
Some of the most common include tree shavings, barks, straw, and weeds. All of these mulch materials gradually breakdown into organic matter, thus enriching the soil and helping trees grow better.
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Protection
Young trees can be destroyed by critters that come around to munch at their soft shoots and leaves. To prevent this from happening, consider shielding your trees from these destructive animals and pests.
The use of tree protectors is a great way to begin. These may come in the form of tubes or other barriers that fit around the trees.
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Weed Control
There must be an acceptable distance or adequate weed-free spacing between your trees and weeds. You want to prevent these parasitic plants from encroaching and depriving your trees of adequate nutrients.
There are several ways to do this including the use of herbicides.
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Supplements
Plants too require supplements. These help with better growth and development until they’re able to have full access to nutrients through their root systems. Fertilizers are important supplements.
However, not every type of fertilizer will serve.
Only low-salt chemical fertilizers as well as manure-based organic fertilizers should be considered. These support tree growth and development with essential nutrients being supplied.
Tree Planting Steps
Apart from knowing when to plant trees, you also need to know the steps to follow. These steps aren’t complicated.
First, you need to locate underground utilities, identify the trunk flare, and dig your hole.
Other steps include taking off or removing the containers, proper tree placement, and straightening the tree. You’ll also need to carefully fill the hole, mulch its base, and offer post-planting care.
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Locate Underground Utilities
It’s possible to have underground utilities installed around your preferred planting location.
It’s very important to try locating all such underground utilities to ensure your trees are planted at a safe distance.
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Identify the Trunk Flare
Trunk flare needs to be partly visible after planting your tree.
Therefore, it must be clearly identified. For easy identification, look for the part of the tree trunk that expands at its base.
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Dig your Hole
Next, you’ll need to dig your hole. The hole shouldn’t be dug deep and must be broad enough.
For a better guide, the hole dug should be wider than the root ball by as much as 2 to 3 times. However, the depth should only go as deep as the root ball.
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Taking Off Containers
Young trees placed in containers need to be removed by taking off such containers. This must be done irrespective of the time of container used.
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Proper Tree Placement
Here, you want to make sure that the tree isn’t planted too deep or shallow. The ideal depth for planting should be as deep as the root ball.
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Straightening the Tree
For this to be possible, you’ll need the assistance of someone.
Tree straightening seeks to ensure the tree is actually straight. So, you’ll need to have it viewed from multiple points to ensure it’s straight.
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Fill the Hole
Next, carefully fill the hole to ensure the plant is stable. Fertilization must be avoided during planting.
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Mulch its Base
Mulching is important to the development of the tree.
Given its several benefits as outlined above, the tree should be mulched. However, this should be done in such a way that the mulch is kept 2 to 5cm from the trunk. Post planting care involves frequent watering (once every week).
Now that you know when to plant trees, you’re able to approach this activity better informed. This impacts positively on tree growth and development.