Arbor Tips for Arbor Day
For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217
Arbor Day Tree Planting Advice
Champaign, IL (April, 2007)-National Arbor Day is just
around the corner (April 27). Everyone grab a shovel and get ready to plant a
tree. But wait….
Before planting a tree make sure you know how to do it correctly,
advises the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). How a tree is
planted, and initially maintained, makes all the difference in the world. Too
many people are content to simply plant a tree, but don't ensure that the tree
has the chance to go on to live for many years. "Planting a tree is making an
investment in the future," says Sharon Lilly, ISA Educational Director. "You
must care for and nurture your young tree so that it will pay dividends for
years to come."
Tree Planting Tips
There are a few simple tips to remember when planting your tree
this spring:
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Prepare the perfect hole for planting.
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Dig the hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Do NOT dig deeper than root
ball depth. Make the sides of the hole slant gradually outward.
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For bareroot trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots
for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water.
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Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers completely
removed. Carefully cut through any circling roots. Remove the top half of
pressed peat/paper containers.
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Balled and Burlapped ("B&B") trees should have all of the ropes
cut. Pull the burlap at least 1/3 of the way down; slit remaining burlap to
encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.
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Plant the Tree.
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Gently place the tree in the hole. Partially backfill with the soil from the
hole, water to settle the soil, then finish back-filling the hole. Tamp the
soil gently, but do not step on the root ball.
A few pointers
While you may have finished planting, Arbor Day aficionados should
remember these final touches:
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Remove tags and labels.
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Do not stake unless the tree has a large crown, or if the planting is situated
on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. Stake for a maximum of
one year.
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Prune only the damaged branches.
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Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between roots. Wait until
next year to fertilize.
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Spread 2"-3" of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up
against the trunk.
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Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year.
Anyone with questions regarding choosing the right tree or proper
planting and maintenance is advised to contact an ISA Certified Arborist.
According to a survey of U.S. consumers, eight out of ten believe it is
important to hire ISA Certified Arborists. ISA Certified Arborists have
completed extensive and rigorous testing to ensure their knowledge on the
latest techniques in tree care, and are required to pursue continuing education
units in order to remain certified.
For additional information on planting and other tree care topics, the ISA has
a complete line of consumer education brochures, which can be viewed at www.treesaregood.org. To purchase printed versions of these brochures
call the ISA office at 1-800-ISA-TREE or visit our online store at
https://secure.isa-arbor.com/store.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in
Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and
education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and
preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only
internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more
information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit
www.isa-arbor.com.