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TREE PLANTING BASICS

Welcome tree recipients! On this page, you'll find helpful information on caring for your tree - from planting to pruning and everything in between! And if you have any questions that aren't answered here, feel free to ask us. We'd be happy to help!

Tree planting 
 

While we do not provide tree planting, our partners at Clearview Nursery would be happy to help. If you decide to plant the tree yourself, we would highly recommend you check out our informative blog “Planting a Tree 101” to make sure you do it right. Proper planting and early care are the best ways to ensure your tree stays healthy and vibrant for many years to come! ​

Caring for your tree

Use these guidelines to keep your tree healthy until it is established:

  • Water the tree the day it is planted using a slow drip until the soil is saturated.

  • Water your tree weekly for the first year from late spring to early fall; after the first year, water the tree weekly only when it hasn’t rained much.

  • Check soil periodically to determine moisture content. Soil should be moist not drenched or muddy.

  • Scratch the surface of the soil to ensure that water has penetrated the root ball and tree pit area. If the soil is dry, water again until moist throughout the root ball.

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  • During periods of drought it is especially important to water your new tree to prevent desiccation and wilting.

  • Do not let the planting dry out completely.

  • Protect your tree from mechanical damage from grass trimmers, lawn mowers, bicycles and cars.

  • Keep weed killers, solvents and cleaning agents away from your tree.

Mulching Your Tree
 

A newly planted tree’s best friend Is mulch. It is very important to remember to mulch your tree after you have planted.   Mulching is one of the most valuable things a homeowner can do for a tree’s health. Mulch is any material placed on the soil to conserve moisture and improve growing conditions. Common materials include arborist’s wood chips, bark, pine needles and compost.

tree sprouting from mulch

The Benefits of Mulch

  • Insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures

  • Retains water helping to keep the roots moist

  • Keeps weeds out to help prevent root competition

  • Prevents soil compaction

  • Reduces lawn mower and string trimmer damage

Proper Mulching

  • Apply a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) to a maximum of 150 cm (60 inches) of mulch over the planting area. The wider the mulch ring, the greater the benefit. Mulch out to the tree’s drip line, if possible.

  • Do not pile mulch against the tree trunk and root flare. Pull mulch back several inches from the trunk so the base of the trunk and root crown are exposed. The mulch-ring shape should resemble a “doughnut” not a “volcano”.

  • If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add more if sufficient layers are already in place.

  • Organic mulches are preferred to inorganic materials. Organic mulches should be well-aerated and composted. Avoid sour smelling mulch.

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Location of the Tree - One tree standing alone will often have a higher value than a tree in a group. A tree near your house, or one which is a focal point in your landscape, tends to have more value.

Trees as an Investment

Almost everyone knows that trees and other living plants are valuable. They beautify our surroundings, purify our air, act as sound barriers, manufacture precious oxygen, and help us save energy through their cooling shade in summer and their wind reduction in winter. Many people do not realize, however, that plants have a dollar value of their own that can be measured by competent plant appraisers.


Tree Size - Sometimes the size and age of a tree are such that it cannot be replaced. Trees that are too large to be replaced should be assessed by professionals who use a specialized appraisal formula.

Condition of the Tree - A well-cared-for tree with healthy roots, trunk, branches and buds will have a higher value.

Species of Tree - Trees that are hardy, durable, highly adaptable and free from objectionable characteristics such as pods or nuts which add to the debris are most valuable and require less maintenance.

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