Selecting The Propoer Site To Plant Your Trees

May 11, 2009 - PRLog -- Site Selection
There are great differences in the environmental requirements for each tree and shrub species. Only transplant a tree or shrub where light, moisture, soil pH, and wind exposure are appropriate for the particular species. All plants require space for root and crown development; therefore, consider mature plant size when planting trees and shrubs.

Soil characteristics are often limiting factors for woody plant survival in a given area. Sometimes the soil is inappropriate for tree growth and will require improved drainage or amendments before trees and/or shrubs are planted at the given location. A soil test should be completed in areas where soil quality is questionable. For more information on soils in rural areas, contact your nearest Natural Resource Conservation Service office.




Digging
Never allow plant roots to become dry during the transplanting process. Water all woody plants two to three days before digging if the soil is dry. Prior to digging, shrubs and trees with low branches should have these branches tied up to prevent injury during the digging, transporting and planting operations (Figure 1). Marking one side of the trunk will allow a tree to be placed in the same orientation at which it grew in its original location. Consistent orientation may help to prevent sunscald injury to stems.

figure 1 (4KB b&w illustration)

North Dakota state law requires anyone who plans to dig more than 12 inches deep when planting a tree to call 1-800-795-0555 at least 48 hours before digging begins. This law was established to protect utility systems and people who dig around them.

A sharp spade should be used when digging trees to assure root wounds are clean cut. Although leaving a soil ball attached to the root system will cause less root injury, soil is heavy and sometimes it is more convenient or even necessary to transplant a tree without a soil ball.

Deciduous trees with a stem diameter of less than 1 inch and small deciduous shrubs may be dug either bare root or with a soil ball. Larger plants should only be dug with soil attached. Bare root transplanting should only be done in the spring and care must be taken to prevent damage to roots when removing the soil. Most shrub species require a root ball diameter of about two-thirds of the branch spread. The soil ball for trees should be a minimum of 12 inches for each 1 inch of trunk diameter.

Large shrubs and trees should have a trench dug deep enough to get below all of the major roots (usually 15 to 24 inches). The trench should be dug completely around the tree or shrub to be transplanted. This will provide the angle necessary for the spade to undercut roots directly under the soil ball (Figure 2). Shrubs under 4 feet tall do not typically require trenching because the soil balls are small enough for the spade to make the undercut without a trench. All roots around the plant must be severed before any lifting takes place. If the plant is removed from clay soils, any glazing of the soil ball should be roughened before burlapping or potting.

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