 | John Harrison is the Owner/Operator of In the Garden in Pittsburg. For more information or to reach John please call 620-231-4545. |
Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2013-04-29 15:28:40
Tips for planting trees
Q-I have not been successful when it comes to planting trees. I’m going to give it one more shot this year; do you have any tips for tree planting?
A-Every year, I hear from people that they have not been successful when planting trees. Trees are living things and sometimes no matter what is done you are going to lose a few. Here are a couple of steps to try this spring. Bigger is not always better when it comes to planting trees. If you have good soil you will have better luck, as the tree will always grow better in good soil. If you have poor soil, meaning soil that is heavy clay or rocky, planting a smaller tree will be more beneficial. Poor soil can be amended, but generally, I would recommend planting a small tree in the size of a 5,7, or 15 gallon container. In good soil, you can plant larger field grown trees that are referred to as B&B (balled and burlapped). These trees can be large. In good soil, we can plant trees up to 20 feet.
Bugs have been a real problem in the past couple of years, due to the hot dry summers. Borers are a type of bug that lay eggs on certain types of trees and the larva feed on the cambium layer of the tree, which is under the bark. If left untreated, they can severely weaken or even kill the tree. Generally, you cannot see any damage until it’s too late, as the bugs live under the bark. Companies make a spray you use to keep them off trees. It has to be sprayed once a month and after each time it rains during the growing season. There is a new pesticide out that you sprinkle on the ground and you only have to apply it once a year. One way to tell if your tree had borers is that the bark will start to flake off close to the ground and you will see grooves where the larva feed. Borers tend to not attack established trees unless they are weak due to stress. Stress can be caused by recently being planted or abnormally hot and dry weather like we have had the past couple summers.
If you are not sure how to water a tree properly you can buy a product called a water gator. It is a bag that sets on top of the root ball of the tree. You fill it with water and it slowly waters the tree. This is the best way to water a tree as the water gets to the roots and does not just run off onto the ground.
