How to Plant a Tree

Here are five steps to the successful planting of a tree.

* Put the tree in place and look at it. Walk around the tree. Turn it so its best side is facing toward your view. Make sure the trunk is straight.

* Check the root level. Lay a long piece of board or hoe handle across the hole. The top of the rootball, or the spot where there is a color change on the trunk of a bare root tree, is where the soil should reach. Planting too deep or shallow can kill a tree.

* Fill the hole halfway with soil. Gently step on it. Step back and make sure the tree has not tipped. Gently fill the hole with water, and let it soak in. Check the tree again and add soil up to the proper level.

* Create a shallow berm around the tree. For the next year or so, whenever the weather is dry, fill the berm repeatedly, until no more water soaks in.

* Spread one to three inches of mulch over the planting hole. This is enough to keep weeds down and conserve moisture. Do not mulch any deeper than this. Mulch applied too thick can invite rodents and other pests.

Four Crape Myrtle Varieties You Should Know

Crape Myrtles are beautiful trees, but many are prone to diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Researchers have done tests on 43 Crape Myrtle varieties, and have identified four that are highly resistant to these diseases.

* Tonto(fuchsia flowers)
* Tuscarora(coral pink flowers)
* Tuskagee(dark pink flowers)
* Fantasy(white flowers)

Nature's Remedy for Rodent Control

If you are having problems with rodents eating on your trees and shrubs, you should welcome barn owls onto your property. You can do this by providing barn owl boxes for them to nest. Barn owls will thank you for providing them with shelter by keeping your property clear of rodents.

Pruning Crape Myrtles

The best time to prune crape myrtles is in February. Prune out twiggy stems and any dead wood. Thin out crossing or crowding branches in the center of the crape myrtles. Each year after flowering, cut 12 to 18 inches off the tips of branches that have bloomed.

A Tip for Early Season Pruning

You should never prune your trees or shrubs until you are reasonably certain that any threat of frost has passed. Pruning stimulates new growth. Tender new growth can be damaged be a hard freeze.

Pruning the Butterfly Bush

The buddelia-butterfly bush dies back in the winter and in cold areas it is likely to die back all the way to the ground. However, it will come back to life in the spring. The only pruning required on the butterfly bush is removing the dead wood every spring.

Promote New Root Growth in Transplanted Shrubs

To promote new root growth when transplanting shrubs, nick the root ball with a knife before planting. The roots natural response to this "injury" is to send out new growth. This will get the shrub established and growing quicker in its new home.

Reasons to Have a Tree Removed

If you are experiencing any of these problems with a tree, you may want to consider having it removed.

*The tree is a hazard to your property and safety. This could mean the tree has the potential to fall on your home or vehicle. Many people also remove trees if they block the visibility at the end of driveways.

*The tree is diseased, dying or dead.

*The tree's roots are starting to run into your plumbing or under your foundation.

*The tree is limiting your gardening efforts. If the tree casts so much shade that you are unable to grow a vegetable or flower garden, you may want to consider removing it.

Living Memorials

Many individuals are planting trees as living memorials to deceased loved ones. It gives family and friends a visible reminder that lasts forever.

Dogwood Trees are the most popular trees used in living memorials.

Mulch and Shrubs

Mulched shrubs may not develop mature stem tissue. To harden stems so they can withstand early frost damage, remove the mulch around the base of the stems in mid-August.

Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

To transplant trees and shrubs, prune off any dead or damaged roots before you plant. When planting, the hole should be large enough to accommodate the roots when they are spread out in their natural shape.

It is no longer recommended that you prune the top of trees and shrubs when transplanting. Research has found no evidence that this helps, and there is a possibility that such pruning removes carbohydrate reserves that the plant could use to grow new roots.

Watering Young Trees

Newly planted trees receive much of their moisture from their root balls. Young trees need deep regular watering, especially during summer's heat. It is important to keep the soil around the base of young trees moist, as the stress from excessive heat can kill them. Deep watering once a week is recommended.

The Fragrant Lilac

Lilacs are enormously popular for good reason. A couple of these shrubs can perfume an entire yard! Lilacs come in many colors, from pale pink, mauve to purple. They can grow anywhere, either standing alone or mixed in with other shrubs. The Lilac requires no pruning. However, if it gets too leggy it can be cut back.

Watering Mature Trees

Water mature trees where they can use it -- out over their feeder roots. Established trees do not have feeder roots close to the trunk. In fact, watering at the trunk can cause rot. A good tip is to set your sprinkler at least three feet away from the trunk of an established tree.

Prevent the Spread of Disease While Pruning

When you are pruning diseased limbs or branches, you can avoid spreading diseases from shrub to shrub by disinfecting your pruning tools between each cut.
Dip the pruners into a store-bought disinfectant or a 1/10 solution of chlorine bleach.

How to Place Apple Trees

In order to provide adequate air circulation in your orchard, apple trees should be spaced 16 feet apart. Besides promoting air circulation, this spacing also helps to provide each apple tree with adequate sunlight, as well as making access for annual pruning easier.

Tips for Planting New Trees

When planting new trees, you should not add peat or any other amendments to the soil.
The backfill should consist only of the native soil.

If the soil is poor and unworkable, you should amend the site one week prior to planting new trees.

Trees for Large Yards

There are some beautiful trees that when sited properly on a large piece of land, can lend an air of beauty and grace to your landscape. European Larch, Sour Gum, Korean mountain ash and Sweet Gum all have gorgeous spring and autumn foliage, interesting bark and beautiful shapes.

Where to Plant Your Crape Myrtles

To keep your crape myrtles free of mildew, they should be planted in sunny locations with good air circulation around the tree.

Avoid over-fertilization and irrigation. Do not prune them during hot weather, but only during dormant periods.