Fall is the perfect time to plant a tree – here are some tips on how to do it right | News, sports, jobs

This Oct. 13, 2024, image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a container-grown Japanese maple tree on display at Giordano’s Garden & Gifts in Sea Cliff, N.Y. (Jessica Damiano via AP)

If you’ve always wanted to plant a tree, now is the time to do it.

The season’s cooling temperatures and still-warm soil mean less stress for newly planted trees, allowing them to put more energy into growing strong roots rather than struggling to survive the heat and drought common in summer. And as the trees prepare for dormancy, this energy does not need to be used for root and flower growth.

Since planting a tree is a long-term investment, it’s important to do it right, and that requires a little research.

First, choose the right tree. Yes, that means choosing a tree that makes you happy, but it also means considering your hardiness zone, soil type, sun exposure, and natural moisture levels.

The tree’s mature size is also important so that it does not grow into overhead electrical lines, eaves or other overhangs, or its roots interfere with underground utilities.

When digging a hole, make it twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and just as deep. Then remove the tree from its container and place it in the center of the hole. Be sure to support it under the roots instead of holding it to the trunk.

Evaluate its depth. It should land level with the surrounding soil so that when planted, all the roots are covered with soil, but the bulge at the bottom of the trunk is not covered with soil. If the top of the root ball is too high, remove the tree and dig the hole deeper; If it’s too low, add more soil to the bottom of the hole, pack it down, and check again.

If your new tree came in bales and burlap instead of in a container, that means it was grown in a field and dug up for sale. Although these trees are often larger, they are more susceptible to transplant shock because their roots are severed during digging. Canvas or burlap is tied around the remaining root system to retain the soil and prevent the roots from falling apart during transportation. Sometimes roots are enclosed in a wire cage.

After placing the tree in the hole at the correct depth, cut and remove the twine (or use wire cutters to remove the cage) and cut off as much of the burlap as possible, leaving the portion under the roots ; it will gradually decompose without affecting root growth. (However, if the roots are wrapped in a synthetic material such as plastic or vinyl, remove everything.)

If the roots appear to have grown tightly together, gently loosen them with a garden fork to allow them to grow outward into the soil.

Next, make sure the tree is standing straight, then backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down periodically to avoid air pockets. Never pile soil on the trunk.

Moisten the soil thoroughly with slowly running water. Allow the surface to dry for about a day, then add 2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure, followed by 2 inches of wood chips or mulch, over the soil, at least as far as the branches extend overhead. Push these materials 4 inches away from the trunk (never pile soil, amendments, or mulch against trunks). “Volcano” Style; the practice slowly kills trees).

Water your new tree regularly for the first 12 months, especially during hot and dry periods. Then familiarize yourself with the requirements of the species. Some tree species require supplemental watering throughout their life, but others do not.