Planting & Caring for Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are great if you’re looking to create shade on your property. They are also capable of helping to deal with erosion and rain water run-off by being planted on embankments. Learn how to plant and care for deciduous trees with complete instructions and helpful tips.
- Measure the depth of the root ball so that the top of it will sit 1-inch higher than ground level, but never lower.
- Dig a hole that is 1–1½ times larger than the ball.
- Center the root ball in the hole and untie or cut away the top ⅓ of burlap by either folding it back or trimming it off. If a wire basket is present, cut it open and either fold it down or discard.
- Clean the excavated soil of rocks and other debris.
- Make a mixture (enough to back-fill the hole) of 50% cleaned, excavated soil and 50% compost (peat moss/fertilizer/compost).
- Back-fill the plant half way with the soil mixture, then water thoroughly. Continue to back-fill with the remaining excavated soil while leaving room for an approximately 3-inch deep saucer of mulch to completely surround the plant. Make a mound of soil around the outer edge of the hole and tamp it firmly to create a moat.
- Water thoroughly.
Optional: Tree wrap and staking are optional based on actual location conditions, i.e. wind & grade changes.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS
Watering Trees and Shrubs
After planting, water trees and shrubs 2–3 times per week
for the rest of the growing season. Each tree or shrub should receive 1–10 gallons of water depending on its size.
Note: In times of stress or extreme heat, increase amount of water.
Root Feeding/By June 30th
For acid loving plants use Holly-tone®. All other plants should
be fed with specially designed fertilizer stakes.
Foliage Feeding/As Early As April 30th. For acid loving plants, apply Miracid® every 7–10 days until mid-August. All others apply Miracle-Gro® every 7–10 days until mid-August.
General Pruning and Trimming
For flowering trees and shrubs, the rule of thumb is to cut them back after they have flowered.
For evergreens, pruning should be done after the new growth hardens, which is usually mid-July up to November.
Anti-desiccant
As a treatment to reduce moisture loss due to winterkill, windburn, drought, etc. all plants should be treated with an anti-desiccant or anti-transpirant. Suggested applications:
All newly planted material
s, Annual fall application
Insect Infestation
A watchful eye should be kept for any signs of an infestation. If an infestation seems to be occurring the problem should be identified and addressed immediately.
Tree Stakes
Stake deciduous trees that are 2–2½ inch in diameter and larger. Stake evergreen trees 5–6 feet tall and larger. Tree stakes, wire and hose should be removed after 1 year.
