Tips for growing trees

How to choose the right tree

When you decide to plant a tree, there are certain factors that should be considered.

• Energy savings

It is best to select a large deciduous tree which will give ample shade to the house

• Shade

Choose a tree with a broad canopy so as to give the maximum amount of shade. It is best to select an evergreen tree if you want shade year-round,

• Color

Consider picking a tree with foliage all year, such as a purple-leaf plum, or one that produces bright colored flowers.

• Fruit

Fruit do double duty by long with adding beauty it will provide delicious fruit.

• Tidiness

Some trees create a lot of mess by dropping their foliage. Plant an evergreen tree near a water feature, such as a pool that ensures to keep it clean.

Best time to buy and plant a tree

It is best to plant trees when it is in a dormant stage which occurs in autumn after their leaves have dropped and in late winter or early spring just before the leaf buds begin to swell. Also, planting trees during this time allows the tree roots the time to grow before warmer weather stimulates new top growth.

Method of plant a tree

There are some important points to consider while planting trees.

1. Get the hole right

The size of the hole to plant the tree plays a major role in how quickly a tree establishes itself and grows. The hole should be three times wider than the root ball of the tree. The hole should be shaped like a saucer. This allows for good root growth and development, as the majority of a tree’s roots grow into the top portion of the soil, where oxygen is at high levels.

2. Position the tree properly

Gently remove any excess soil on top of the root ball till the point where the main roots begin to flare. Trees often come with a 5 – 8 cm layer of soil or mulch that covers the top of the root ball.

Planting the tree depends on the material encasing the tree roots. Regardless of the type of container the tree came in, it’s important to examine that the roots after placing it in the hole.

3. Fill the hole

Filling up the hole is called backfilling, Add backfill to the hole around the tree. And after backfilling, create a small raised lip of soil around the hole to create a basin to hold water and help it permeate deeply around the tree. Make sure to water immediately after planting the tree so that the soil settles down and air pocket is removed.

4. Water and mulch

New trees will need more water for the first year. This helps them get established – especially during the first few weeks after planting.

Add a 5 to 10 cm layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, compost or wood chips, around the tree. Ensure to cover the entire planting area. Keep the mulch 15 cm away from the trunk. This helps to prevent problems with fungal diseases or insects. Adding mulch will help in moderating soil temperatures, preventing weeds, and retaining soil moisture.