Planting trees is an important part of landscaping, but it's not as easy as it may seem. It's essential to pick the right tree for the right location and to avoid common mistakes that can lead to poor growth or even death of the tree. When deciding on a spot for your new tree, think about how tall it will grow. The Arbor Day Foundation states that plum trees usually reach a mature height of around 20 feet, while a red oak or walnut tree can grow up to 80 feet.
Placing a tree too close to the structure or foundation of your home can be a problem if that plant grows to overshadow the property. Root growth underground alone can threaten the structural integrity of the home in these cases. It's also important to select the right tree for the right location. Poor tree selection is one of the planting mistakes that can be made when designing your home garden.
The Irish Food and Agriculture Development Authority reports that the best time of year to plant a new tree is between November and March. When planting, it's essential to dig a hole that is 2 or 3 inches shorter than the height of the root ball in well-draining soils, and two-thirds of the height in poorly draining soils. This will make sure that the roots do not remain in standing water, which could cause rot and kill the tree from the ground. For the first two weeks after planting, you'll need to water the tree every day and then every two to three days for the next three months.
After passing this key phase of tree development, watering once a week until the root system is established will guarantee that the plant has all the resources it needs to grow and become a strong, long-lasting feature in your lawn. Measuring the trunk diameter 6 inches above the ground can help you create a schedule; for example, a 3-inch reading indicates a rooting schedule of four and a half years and a weekly watering volume of 3 to 4 ½ gallons. Don't forget to water your tree during periods of winter drought; even if your tree is dormant, it still needs water to survive. Finally, when planting a new tree, make sure not to bury its root neck too deep or cover it with volcanic mulch. This can cause reduced growth, less oxygen, defoliation, yellowing of leaves, girdling of roots, regressive death of branches and even death of the tree.
