Time to Plant Trees

Depending on your area, it may be approaching the time to plant new trees. Taking care of new trees is important because they are so delicate in the first couple of years. Taking care of your trees from the start and throughout their lives can help you increase the shade, oxygen and property value of your home. With a little pruning and routine maintenance, your trees will be healthy and strong.

Before you plant, make a visit to your local nursery. Ask about what types of trees are native to your area and which ones will be best for your purposes. Are you using them for shade? To block out street noise? For privacy from neighbors? Or do you want them simply for their beauty? Whatever your reason, you are sure to find the right tree for your yard.

You may need to bring in a soil sample to determine what type of tree will grow best in your soil. Make sure that you don't get one that will be too big for the area you have picked out for it. Trees planted too close to homes and power lines have to be later removed. Remember that a tree can sway up to eight feet in a good storm. You may have to check with authorities if you are in a neighborhood. Trees must be planted at least 20 feet away from intersections in most areas. There are also considerations for underground cables, gas lines, water lines, sewer lines, septic tanks and pipes. Additionally, if you put trees near your driveway, you can expect the roots to crack the driveway. Make sure that the trees will not obstruct your view or your neighbors' views of the road when they are pulling out.

New trees should be heavily watered weekly, more if it is extremely hot weather. Only skip watering if you received a lot of rain. Water absorbs better and doesn't evaporate as quickly if you water in the late afternoon or night. Water as deeply as you can imagine the roots are. Be careful not to water too much or the roots could rot and kill the tree. Heavy mulching will help keep moisture in the ground and also protect baby trees from being damaged by lawn mowers or people that don't notice it. Mulch out about 3 feet from the base of a baby tree, five feet for a larger tree.

Watering on schedule is the most important part of helping your new trees survive. You can use an automatic hose reel with a computerized timer to automatically water your trees on time. Good luck with your baby trees!