January 29, 2010, Newsletter Issue #430: Buying Big Trees
Tip of the Week
With the rising cost of electricity, shade trees for the yard are more important than ever. Planting trees is also environmentally friendly. However, not all trees make good shade trees. To choose the right tree, you should:
1. Make sure that the tree you are considering does not have an invasive root system, especially if you will be planting it near your house foundation, concrete patio, or septic system.
2. Be sure the tree is not overly messy. Some trees shed quite a few seed pods, twigs, fruit or nuts each year and can create a lot of work. This is one reason why people avoid female trees. Male trees are known for the pollen they produce but since they are a neater tree, shedding less, they are often planted instead of a female tree. If there is not a female tree around to absorb the pollen this can become an allergy issue.
3. Find out how high the tree will be when it matures. Trees that are higher than the house could be potentially hazardous. This is also important if you are planting under power lines. You would not want to grow a tree for many years only to have it chopped down in its prime because it was invading power lines.
Once you have picked out your tree and are ready to plant, dig a hole three to four times the size of the root ball, fill the hole with water and let it drain. If necessary amend the soil, fill the hole in running water into the hole as you do so the soil can settle and plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot. Water on a regular basis, say once a week, for the first season, making sure to water deeply. This will encourage the trees roots to grow deeply.
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