Planting a tree is an effective way to increase your property’s aesthetic appeal, add shade, enhance privacy, reduce energy costs, and raise your real estate values. A properly planted and maintained tree has a much greater likelihood of a long, healthy life. An improperly planted tree can become a costly or even dangerous problem as it matures.
The first step in successful planting is selecting the proper tree for its planned location. Consider factors such as proximity to structures and what size the tree will be once fully mature. We know that when planting a small tree it‘s difficult to imagine how large it will one day be. Unfortunately, poor planning can lead to expensive, heartbreaking removals when trees eventually outgrow their site. Think, will it eventually be too close to your home? Will it encroach on power lines? Will there be enough sunlight penetration to your lawn?
Arborguard extensively trains its personnel in the art and science of tree planting. We have relationships with reliable growers who provide us with trees that are screened for proper root ball size, health and vigor, canopy shape and appearance, and branch structure. Trees that don’t meet our standards are rejected. Preparation of the site is critical for future health and development. It’s important to oversize the hole, loosen and inspect the roots, scarify the soil interface, and enrich the backfill with organic soil amendments.
It is essential that planting be performed by an experienced team, led by arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Trees are often planted too deeply or too shallow in heavily compacted, sterile urban soils. Other common mistakes made by those without a high level of knowledge of proper planting procedures include: digging a hole that is not wide enough, which does not allow for lateral root development and expansion, failure to remove twine, straps, burlap, and wire baskets, which leads to root damage, packing soil too firmly or too loosely, “volcano” mulching, etc.
