How to chose the right tree

1. Determine what function the tree will serve.  Are you looking for shade, ornamental, or productive (i.e. fruit trees).
2. Take into consideration the location and available space for the tree.  Remember barriers such as overhead and below ground utility lines, sidewalks and driveways and proximity to any structures.
3. Consider soil and light conditions.  Soil can be amended to a certain extent but not in all cases.  A tree that requires good drainage will not function and grow properly in a wet area.  Trees also need certain light conditions.  Determine the type of lighting your space has (full sun, part sun/shade, full shade) and chose a tree accordingly.
4.  Keep in mind that certain fruit trees require a pollinator to produce.  You may need to plant two complimenting trees.

When to plant a tree

Trees can be planted at any time of year except when the ground is too frozen that it would be nearly impossible to dig a hole.  The best time to plant a tree is in cooler weather, which makes fall the optimal season.  However you can still plant a tree even in the middle of summer.  Any tree you purchase from a nursery, whether it is in a pot or B&B (balled-and-burlapped), can be planted at any time.  If you wish to transplant a tree, it must be done when the tree is in dormancy.  If you transplant a tree in full leaf it may go into shock and die.  October in the Midwest is typically a good time to transplant a tree.

How to plant a tree

1.  Measure both the height and the width of the root ball on the tree.
2.  Dig a hole approximately 1 1/2 times the size of the root ball both deep and wide.  This will allow extra room to amend the soil as well as room to move the root ball around for a well-placed tree.
3.  The soil in our area can be dense clay rather than loose and fertile.  While some trees grow well in clay, a richer soil will allow the roots a chance to establish and grow deeper.  Before placing the root ball into the hole, “amend” the soil by adding a mixture of mushroom compost and top soil to the bottom and sides of the hole.  Make sure the soil is packed well to avoid any setting after planting.
4.  If the tree is in a pot, remove the pot from the root ball by either gently pulling it out or by cutting the sides of the pot with a utility knife.  If the tree is balled-and-burlapped leave the burlap and wire basket (if it has one) on until the tree is set and in place in the hole.  This allows you to move the tree around without disturbing the root ball.
5.  Place the tree in the prepared hole.  A tree should be planted with the top of the root ball either level to the ground or with the root ball a couple of inches above the ground, if you prefer to mound it up.  Do not plant a tree too deep.  Deep planting causes bark deterioration at the soil line which may eventually kill the tree.
6.  If your tree is balled-and-burlapped, once the tree is in place cut any rope that may be holding the root ball together.  Also use a wire cutter to cut the wire basket.  Remove as much of the wire basket as possible.  Using a utility or similar knife, cut some slits in the burlap bag.  This allows the roots to establish into the surrounding soil and will also allow for faster deterioration of the burlap.
7.  Back fill the hole with your soil mixture.  If there seem to be a lot of air pockets, you can gently pack the soil by using water around the root ball.
8.  Spread 2-3 inches of mulch at the base of the tree.
9.  Small, younger trees may need staking so stake the tree, if necessary.
10. Water

How to water

Watering is possibly the trickiest part of planting.  This is because soil responds differently from one area to the next.  One space may hold water while another drains very quickly.  The best thing you can do is pay close attention to how the tree responds to its new home.  A newly planted tree needs to be cared for especially right after planting and still closely for at least one year following.  You want moist soil but not soggy.  But there is no set schedule.  You may need to water your tree every day for the first two weeks, however if your soil holds water then you run the risk of overwatering.  Conversely if you have a well drained soil and you water every other day, you run the risk of too little water and your leaves will start turning brown, drying up and falling off.  One trick is to water your newly planted tree right away.  Then wait 24 hours and dig down about 6 inches next to the root ball and see what the soil is like.  Again you are looking for moist but not soggy.  Do not judge based on how the top of the soil looks – whether it is wet or dry.  The soil could be wet on top and dry 2-3 inches down which would not be sufficient to get water to the roots of any tree.  It can also appear dry on top but be soggy beneath.  It is worth it to do the extra work and check it.  If 24 hours after the first watering, the soil is soggy, then hold off on your watering for another day.  Check again and go from there.  If it is dry, then you will probably need to water your tree every day for the first couple of weeks, then ease off to every other day.  Then gradually ease back from there.  Remember to pay attention to your tree throughout the rest of the year as well.  It may need some extra water during the hot summer months as well as a good soaking before winter begins.  Also, spreading mulch at the base of your tree can help hold in water, which is beneficial especially on warmer days.

Fertilizer, Insecticide, Fungicide

Just like people, trees are living things and need to eat.  The best time to fertilize your trees is in late April or early May, or late fall once plants are dormant.  We carry an assortment of fertilizer perfect for your trees.

And just like people, trees get sick from time to time.  When caught early on, a tree infected with a bug or fungus can be treated using an insecticide or fungicide.  Ask our experts to help you find a solution for any tree issues you may have.  Place an infected leaf or small branch in a sealed ziplock bag and stop in to speak to our horticulturists.