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Post by lnk9s on Feb 9, 2006 13:58:23 GMT -6
ok I bought some trees and need to plant them. I bought 1 pink flowering dogwood, 1 gala apple and 1 red maple. Any suggestions on how to plant them? The directions give very little advise.
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Feb 9, 2006 17:17:15 GMT -6
Were they Potted, Ball and Burlap, or Bare root? If potted, dig a hole about three times as big around as the pot, but not as deep as the pot. Potted trees are usually a little root bound, lay the pot on the side, gently push on the sides of the pot with a rolling motion, then while it's still on it's side, remove the pot. Look at the rootball, the roots probably have began to circle around the ball, take a sharp knife, and cut through these, as they will eventually girdle the trunk, and slow the growth, or, kill the tree. Sit the tree in the hole, with the flair, (where the trunk begins to flair) at the level of the ground. Never plant it deeper unless the top roots are exposed, and then do so only enough to cover the roots. Back fill with soil, water, check to see if the settling is going to make the tree sink too deep (it is a good idea to leave the soil in the bottom of the hole undisturbed, so the tree won't sink) Fill to the right level, water, mulch the soil to prevent it drying to rapidly, and PRESTO! There is no need to fertilize at time of planting.
Balled and Burlapped (B&B) pretty much the same, remove the burlap, and MAKE SURE, you remove the wire that is around the ball.
Bare root trees, Make sure before you plant that the roots don't dry out, I always stick them in a bucket of water overnight. When you dig your hole for bare root trees, Leave a small mound in the bottom of the hole, so you can spread out the roots, over this mound, and fill and firm the hole, water, fill, and firm.
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Post by lnk9s on Feb 11, 2006 12:11:16 GMT -6
2 were in some sort of nylon burlap. instructions said to leave it on when planting so I did and the other was in a plastic container which I removed. Now my question is: What is the best way to stake them so I don't rip up the bark on the new trees?
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Feb 11, 2006 16:16:46 GMT -6
2 were in some sort of nylon burlap. instructions said to leave it on when planting so I did and the other was in a plastic container which I removed. Now my question is: What is the best way to stake them so I don't rip up the bark on the new trees? Oh My.... I had not seen these nylon burlap bags, then again, it's been awhile since I purchased any B&B tree's...SO, I googled it, every reference to this, contradicted the "instructions" that came with your trees. So, I googled more, to see if there was a type of nylon burlap that DID NOT have to be removed....Sorry, There was none I could find, the reference I found repeatedly was: And i don't agree with the part about the natural burlap, so I guess you have a decision to make! as for tying the trees, a small tree can be simply staked, and tied with a soft cloth, larger tree's,(3-5 ft.) should be tied with wires. The old method of wrapping the wires where they contact the trunk with garden hose, will still work, but vigilance is needed to ensure the bark is not damaged. a new type of plastic "netting" if you will, is available from most garden shops.
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Post by TennOC on Feb 13, 2006 8:05:18 GMT -6
A good idea is to check the wire or hose often the first year, and once or twice a year after that, then remove it completely when the tree can stand alone and has some girth to it. Usually they have enough root after a couple yrs to hold them up in a storm.
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