Shade Tree Planting and Care

Location

Locate shade trees to enhance the beauty of the house and lawn, to give cooling shade at desired time of day, and to screen unsightly views. Good drainage is essential. Constantly wet ground smothers roots and kills the tree. Tile drainage may be necessary under these conditions.

Planting

Dig large hole at least 12" wider than diameter of ball or soil clump. Plant so top of ball is even with soil surface. If container grown, loosen soil clump so that the roots are loose from the edge of the clump. Never put granular fertilizer around newly planted trees. A quick start can be gained for your tree, by the use of a liquid root stimulator at the time of planting. Wrap the trunk from lowest branches to ground, with tree wrapping paper to prevent winter sun-scald and keep out borers. Leave on 2 years.

Staking

If trees have a tendency to lean, stakes, or on larger trees, 3 wires secured to anchor stakes, may be used to keep in upright position. Where the guy wires touch the tree, they should be encased in rubber hose to prevent damaging the trunk.

Mulching

After planting, mulch entire root spread with 3" of bark mulch to keep soil cooler and retain moisture during summer.

Pruning

Pruning at planting time is necessary to reduce leaf surface to match cut roots. Remove 1/3 of smaller twigs. Do not cut back main trunk or larger branches. If shaping is needed, trim side branches enough to get uniformity.

Fertilizing

Fertilize after first year using a 10-6-4 tree or lawn fertilizer containing no weed killer. Apply 1-1/2 pounds per inch of trunk caliper on trees less than 6" caliper. On trees over 6" caliper, use 3 to 5 pounds per inch. Apply as suggested for lawns; it will reach down to tree roots, or by punch-bar method. Weed killers applied to lawns under trees may injure the trees.

Spraying

If foliage is eaten or plant lice are present or disease suspected, use an all-purpose dust or spray. Bring in to our store samples of injury for free identification and suggested treatment. Do not be alarmed if the foliage of some trees, especially maples, turns brown around the edges the first season after planting.

Watering

Watering is necessary the first year or two. If rain is sufficient, apply 1" of water every 8 to 10 days during summer. Let hose run slowly at base of the tree until water has penetrated to root depth. Tile set into the ground to the depth of the lowest roots is useful as an indicator to prevent over-watering. If water remains in tile, do not add additional water. Too much watering is as bad as too little.