:: neighborly advice

Planting and Mulching Trees and Shrubs

Here are some good tree-planting tips. Good planting practices will result in high survival and better tree growth. Follow these steps in the planting operation:

1. Mark or flag the planting rows. Straight rows simplify cultivation.
2. Vary the spacing, depending upon the type of planting, species used, cultivation equipment, planting site, and area of state.
3. Approximate spacing by type of plantings are: 

• Christmas tree - 6' x 6' or 7' x 7' 
• Erosion control - 3' x 4' or 4' x 4'
• Woodland - approximately 10' x 15' 
• Windbreaks - Between-row spacing should be 3 to 4 feet wider than cultivation equipment. 
• Between row - 12' to 20' 
• In row-shrubs - 3' - 4'
• Conifers - 6'- 14'
• Hardwoods - 8' - 18'

Water is critical to the success of any tree or shrub planting.  For sufficient water uptake to occur, the root ball of a newly planted tree must be kept moist, but not saturated. The area outside of the root ball also should be watered to encourage root growth into the surrounding soil. Avoid over watering, which is a major cause of tree failure in many water-parched communities. Heavy clay soils that have been compacted during construction activities severely restrict the movement of water and commonly lead to saturated conditions.  To maximize your water use and availability for your trees and shrubs the installation of a good drip system will help insure proper watering levels and enhance the growth of your trees and shrubs. The Mercantile has a large selection of drip irrigation and installation instructions and we would love to help you design your new drip system.   

Using Mulch

Mulching is the most important post planting practice you can do to improve the health and vitality of your landscape. Research has shown that wood chip mulch can nearly double plant growth in the first few years after planting. Mulching conserves moisture and insulates roots from heat and cold extremes. Proper mulching provides a well-groomed appearance, eliminates grass or weed competition and prevents damage from mowers and weed trimmers. Mulch by spreading a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic material. The diameter of the mulched area should be at least 2 feet, although larger areas are recommended.  Bark Mulch comes in a 1.5 cubic foot bag, so protect those newly planted trees with mulch from the Mercantile.