Planting Trees

Tree planting is not only a fun activity, but can also benefit the environment in many ways. Trees provide a safe shelter for animals such as birds, and filter out air pollutants such as carbon dioxide. They also benefit the environment by helping cut down on energy consumption in the summer by providing shade.

Strategies

The best times to plant trees is during the fall after all the leaves have dropped, or in the spring before they start to bud. The cooler climate allows the trees to develop roots in the new surroundings. Before you plant a tree, it is important to determine the type of tree you would like to plant. Although many trees may look the same, their climate and soil requirements will vary depending on the type of tree.

In addition, it is important you leave plenty of growth room for the roots to spread out. A common mistake many people make is to plant the tree too close to a building or other trees. The depth of the hole you dig is also something to keep in mind. If you dig a hole that is too deep, the roots will lose oxygen which will inhibit their growth.

Key Information

Before you make your purchase, you must consider a few points to ensure that you are buying a high quality tree.  Thoroughly inspect the trunk for any damage; you may notice some wounds on the trunk that are likely a result of incorrect pruning. Check the branches and make sure they are firmly attached to the trunk.

Once your tree has been planted and starts to mature, you will need to start pruning it. You should have a good idea of the desired shape of the tree before you make any cuts to the branches. When you begin to prune the tree, leave space between the branch and the trunk so that you are not inflicting wounds on the trunk. Failure to do so may lead to trunk decay.

Another important tip is to ensure your tree is receiving enough water. However, too much water can lead to oxygen deprivation. It is practical to water a new tree once a week in the dry season.

Essential Tools

The good thing about planting a new tree is they are relatively inexpensive to maintain. One of the first essential tools that you will need is a good shovel. Although the type mainly depends on personal preferences, keep in mind that trees with larger roots will require a shovel with a full size blade. Another handy tool to have around is a spading fork such as the Terraline spading fork at Home Depot. Spading forks are good for digging out roots from an old plant that may still be present in the soil.

Once your tree has started to mature, you will need a good pruning saw such as the ones found at Corona Tools. This pruning saw is ideal for larger trees. However, if you have planted a smaller tree or bush, pruning clippers such as the ones found at Lowes will usually suffice.