Many issues with trees can be traced back to how the trees were planted. Planting trees correctly is an essential part of residential tree care. Here are three tree-planting mistakes you should avoid.
Planting Trees at the Wrong Place
Trees don't thrive anywhere; they have specific growing requirements. For example, trees that require the full sun don't bloom in another tree's shade. Likewise, if a tree has high water needs, it will grow poorly when you plant it on a slope.
Furthermore, different trees require specific soil types. Additionally, it is a big mistake to plant a tree near driveways, sidewalks, or structures. This is because the tree will develop a large root system, and you may end up experiencing issues with plumbing or electrical lines.
Before you plant a tree, do some research on the property's soil chemistry, soil type, and drainage. Also, before you dig, provide a sufficient roof for structures and power lines.
Planting Trees Too Deep
There is usually excess soil on the tree root ball that should be removed before planting a tree. After removing the dirt and determining the root ball's height, measure it to ensure you dig the planting hole to the right height.
One of the common tree-planting mistakes is planting the tree too deep. This is disastrous because it causes defoliation, reduced growth, yellowing of leaves, branch dieback, and girdling roots. These symptoms take time to manifest. If these symptoms aren't addressed quickly, the tree will eventually die.
The ideal depth for planting trees is a few inches higher than the ground near the tree. You should also ensure the tree's root flare is exposed. Also, keep mulch away from the tree. This helps minimize the risk of fungus, insects, disease, and decay.
Rootbound Plants
When plants are grown in pots for a long time, they become rootbound, and will fail to spread out to support the plant. As the plants grow taller, the trees are likely to topple over during strong weather conditions. To avoid this problem, cut the roots of trees grown in pots before planting them. Cutting the root ball stimulates the roots to grow outward.
Oftentimes, homeowners attempt to save on tree-planting costs by not hiring an arborist. However, while some trees are easy to plant without consulting a tree professional, other types require specific requirements. Planting trees the wrong way will affect the tree's health and its yields. Before you plant a tree, make sure you research adequately to plant it correctly.