Following the proper plant selection criteria (ex. bulb spacing, growth habit, water retention, etc.) is extremely important for any tree planted in spring. But now it’s time to get down to the act of planting.

While you have the opportunity, avoid planting in dense thickets or deep woodlands where there is any risk of them being cut down. Do not plant in tightly compacted soil, or where soil is visibly compacted. Re-planting at the same site with the same plant species and treatment protocol is not guaranteed to produce the same result.

When planting in general, give all trees plenty of room and sunlight and avoid pinching them out of the woods by using any form of cutting equipment, from knife to chainsaw. Removing any old, overgrown trees with the help of a professional Roanoke tree removal service will allow you to plant your new trees in as much space as possible. Having trees with plenty of room will improve the feel of the garden and view to enjoy from your teak outdoor lounge furniture.

Use crampons or well-stored long-bladed axe to plant and wear appropriate gloves when spreading the soil. Make sure to avoid stepping directly on the trunk of the tree. When planting in our region, planting in limestone or sandy soil is not recommended as it leads to more tree mortality than clay or peat. Planting in clay soil can be done, but you need to add additional top-dressing to prevent trench rot. Following a proper planting protocol can greatly reduce the chances of trench rot.

Fortunately, trench rot is very easy to prevent. Follow these planting guidelines to produce beautiful trees:

Find a protected planting area. In many cases, trees need a reasonable amount of time to grow in and establish the root system. For instance, if planting in clay soil, you’ll need about 6 weeks to plant.

Do not plant in clay soil during any severe winter conditions

Plant at the proper depth for your plant. Fill the planting hole with a layer of stone or concrete mulch about 12 to 15 inches deep. For clay soil, this will be about the size of the planting hole. For sand and peat soils, add the top layer at a depth of about 8 to 10 inches.

Plant with appropriate planting substrate (ex. coloured sand or crushed stone)

Plant with your preferred seed. Leave a small pile of tree seed in place. Doing this will ensure the re-planting tree has the same growth habits as the existing plant.

Plant with a shallow root system. Short roots are recommended for trees planted in spring. Short roots reduce the likelihood of trench rot.

Avoid planting shallow-rooted trees. Plant in areas with enough soil for a regular fall and spring crowning process. Once the tree has established its root system, it can be reshaped if needed.

Leave a small mound of soil at the base of the trunk. To encourage the parameters of the tree’s growth, teak outdoor lounge furniture such as tree benches can be placed intermittently as you want to be able to periodically access the area to monitor progress.

Do not plant trees in a shady location in the late summer. Plant trees in early spring. Have the tree regularly irrigated. Any trees planted in spring will be in full growth by spring and require regular irrigation. If you plant trees with a shallow root system, water in every day. But don’t over-water.

Water before the foliage starts to turn brown. The foliage is normally ready to drop when there is 3 to 4 inches of soil at the bottom.

These tips will help you maintain springtime plants and ensure that they thrive and survive throughout the year. If you follow these tips and invest in good quality teak outdoor furniture, you will be sure to make a garden you are proud of.

Zoe Kickhefer
zoe@everydaylifes.com