Planting and Care
Trees are alive and like all living things have certain needs that must be met in order for them to keep on living. A few factors to consider when planting a tree are to choose the right tree species for the right location, plant the tree correctly, and make certain the tree gets proper care.
Conditions in the location where a tree is planted contribute greatly to how well a tree will grow. Soil types, availability of light, and space for planting (both above and below ground), are significant factors that influence a tree’s life. Choosing a tree species that best matches conditions of a planting location is the first step to enable a tree grows successfully there.
The City of Albany’s Urban Forestry Program has compiled a list of recommended street trees for planting within the street right-of-way planting strip. The Urban Forestry Program also offers trees and planting services.
The ideal time to plant a tree in the Willamette Valley is late fall through early winter, after leaf drop and well before bud break. Always select healthy trees from a nursery. Choose a tree with a straight, strong single stem, and good form. Make sure the tree does not have signs of insect damage, dead bark, or cankers.
Before digging, always call 1-800-332-2344
Tree roots want to grow more outward from the root ball than downward. The planting hole should be at least three times the width of the root ball, but no deeper than the height of the root ball. Digging a wider hole than deeper one is a basic rule. This keeps the tree from being planted too deeply. If the soils are heavy or stay wet, try planting the tree a little above the surrounding ground (about 1-2”).
Always handle the tree by the root ball, not the trunk. If the tree has a wire basket, cut and remove the wire. All strings, burlap and plastic should be removed as well. The burlap on the bottom of the root ball can be left if removal might damage some tree roots. If the tree is container grown, slip the container off right before placing the tree into the hole. Gently spread the roots outward if any appear to be circling. Cut off any dead roots. Place the tree in the hole and make sure it is straight.
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, unless amendments are needed. After about a third of the hole has been filled, water the tree and gently tamp the soil around the root ball into place. Check again to make sure the tree is straight. Continue to backfill the hole and give it more water when finished. This will help eliminate large air pockets that may cause roots to dry out. Trees do need some oxygen so do not over compact the soils. Make certain the tree is not planted too deeply. The top of the root ball should level or slightly above the top of the surrounding soil. The tree should be watered once a week.
A 2-3” layer of organic mulch should be placed around the base of the tree. Leave a 3” ring of no mulch around the trunk itself. Mulch retains moisture, and keeps grasses from competing. Keep the lawn mower and trimmers away from trees.
Basics of Tree Care
As trees successfully grow, so does the value of your investment. Healthy trees increase property values, beautify surroundings, purify the air, save energy by providing cooling shade in summer and cutting the wind in winter. This investment needs care. Regular maintenance will keep the tree healthy and assure that your investment will continue to grow.
Trees need water. Newly planted trees need on average 10 gallons of water a week. Trees absorb water through the soil. The greatest amount of water retention can be done by soaking the soil slowly through drip lines, soaker hoses, furrows, basins, or allowing the hose to slowly trickle over the root system. It is important to water the entire root system. As the tree grows, this root system expands and so will the area needing water. Signs of drought stress on trees include wilting, dull leaf color, and premature leaf fall.
Use mulch to reduce the loss of moisture, improve soil structure, reduce soil erosion, and moderate soil temperatures. Apply 2 to 3 inches thick to young trees, and extend it under the entire canopy. Be sure to keep mulch six inches away from trunks. Older trees can be mulched regularly as well. The best mulches are organic, including bark, wood chips, pine needles, and composts.
Fertilizer is often used to help trees grow. A slow release nitrogen fertilizer works best. Fertilizer is usually applied to trees showing signs of weakness or struggle. It should be not applied routinely or excessively.
For more information about planting and care of street trees, contact the City Forester.
