If you’ve decided to plant trees in your yard, the success of your new trees will depend on how much time and thought you put into your decision about what to plant, how you plant your trees, and the ongoing care you give your new additions. A rash decision made at Bunnings on a Sunday could be a big headache in a few years’ time, so it’s worth having a think about it first. So, what things do you need to consider before making your selection? And how do you best plant and care for your new trees? Here are our top tree planting tips.
What Is The Size Of Your Space?
When it comes to choosing your tree, size is everything! Getting it wrong could mean you end up with a monstrous tree crammed into a small space, hitting powerlines and dropping debris into your pool. Not ideal!
Consider the size of the space you have available for a tree:
- How much height is available?
- What is the width of the space?
- How close is the space to your home, pool, garage, fences, other buildings?
- Are there powerlines nearby?
- Are there other large trees nearby?
Once you’ve measured out the area you actually have available with all of these things considered, you’ll be able to choose a tree to match.
What Do You Want From Your Tree?
Have a think about what you want from your new tree. Some things to consider are:
- Do you want a fruit tree?
- Do you want a flowering tree?
- Do you want to plant a native to support bees and attract wildlife?
- Are you wanting more shade?
- Are you wanting more privacy?
- Are you wanting to create a wind block?
Think about your expectations and what you’re trying to achieve, and then get a tree to match. You’ll be much happier with the end result if you take the time to identify your objectives before making your selection.
What Are Your Conditions?
To give your new tree the best chance, you need to choose a tree that is suited to your specific conditions. Have a look at your intended site and assess:
- How much sunlight will it get?
- What type of soil is it?
- How much exposure to wind is the tree likely to get?
- What is the drainage like?
- What are the temperature extremes?
- How much natural moisture does the soil have?
Different trees like different conditions, and have varying tolerance levels, so you need to find a tree that is suitable for your space.
Planting Your New Trees
Okay, you’ve made your decision and you’re ready to plant! Here are some tips for tree planting success:
- Check the location of pipes or utilities underground prior to digging your hole.
- Dig your planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself.
- Remove the container and straighten out any circling roots.
- Identify the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base). This should be partially visible once the tree is planted.
- Place the tree at the appropriate height and straighten in the hole.
- Make sure the tree is standing correctly before backfilling with soil.
- Stabilise the tree by packing the soil gently, but firmly around the base of the root ball.
- Fill the remaining hole quite firmly to try and eliminate pockets of air that can dry out the roots.
- Watering while backfilling can also help reduce the presence of air pockets.
Looking After Your New Trees
Now that your new tree has been planted, you need to show it some love!
- Stake your tree if necessary. Note that not all new trees will need this and you can actually impede the tree’s growth if you stake unnecessarily.
- Add mulch around the base of the tree – this is basically like a health tonic and has multiple benefits like moisture retention, temperature regulation and deters pests.
- Be sure to keep the soil moist but don’t over-water, you don’t want the soil to become waterlogged.
- Susceptible trees may need protection from harsh conditions like severe winds or extreme temperatures in summer and winter.
- Keep an eye on your new tree and note any changes that could indicate stress.
Ask The Professionals For Help
Choosing the right tree for your space can be confusing. There are so many options and it can become quite an overwhelming task. If you need a bit of help or would like some advice from the professionals, ask your local, trusted Arborist for their expert opinion on what trees would work best for your space. It could mean the difference between a tree planting success and a big failure that could cost you dearly in the long run.
Aussie Tree Solutions provide Consulting Arborist Services where our fully qualified tree experts can give you their professional opinion on all things trees. You’ll be glad you made the call! We have been taking care of Brisbane residents, businesses, schools and local councils for well over forty years. For reliable, safe and professional tree services, call Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our professional tree care and maintenance services today.