Conservation Corner

Planting a Tree — Guest Column by Pinot Pete Lammert

(As Seen in a past Issue of Conservation Times)

So…, you’ve just bought a tree. Congratulations! What you do next with that tree will determine how happy both you and the tree will be in the years to come. Regardless of whether it is potted or balled in burlap (B&B) and especially if it is bare rooted, keep the roots or root ball moist. Don’t put it in a big tub and drown it, just give it a daily drink until the following decisions are made.

Where should it be planted? When deciding where to plant the tree (hopefully this question was asked and answered before the tree was purchased or dug) don’t forget one of mother natures municipal rules: Trees grow up and out. That little Blue Spruce that you have just planted on the corner of the house will be scraping paint off the clapboards and lifting shingles off the roof by the time the newborn heads for college. That Maple you planted just outside the picture window so that you could hang the bird feeder on a branch will become the “big picture” in years to come. Remember small trees will grow up and out over time so give them plenty of room.

Don’t plant too close to buildings

Don’t plant under wires

Don’t plant over old fashioned sewer or septic lines

Don’t plant where the snowplow will hit it or pile snow against it.

Don’t plant it where it will obscure a desired view.

Don’t plant it in rocky fill and dead sand soils.

Enough of the “don’ts”. Let’s focus on the “do’s”.

Do buy or dig a healthy, single leader (except clump Birches) tree.

Do keep it watered both before and after planting.

Do use soil amendments when back filling around your new tree.

Do try water holding compounds (hydra gel, etc.) as part of your backfill in dry sites.

Do support your tree in a windy site until its roots get established.

Do make a “moat” around the tree and add watering buckets if you cannot water often.

Do add a 3” to 4” layer of mulch around the moat to keep the lawn mower and string trimmers at bay.

And most importantly, Do enjoy your tree. Take pictures of kids by the tree each birthday. See how they both grow!

The more forethought you put into species and planting site selection, the happier you and future owners will be with your tree.