Spring is a Great Time to Plant Trees & Shrubs

Improper planting caused this common tree problem.
Do you know what it is? Read tomorrow for the answer.

As you would expect, spring is a wonderful time to add new trees and shrubs to your landscape. What you may not know, is improper planting is one of the biggest reasons urban trees fail.

If you are considering planting a tree, follow these steps to ensure improper planting does not cause you trouble down the road:

1. Choose a quality specimen from the nursery. The main root originating from the trunk should be no more than 1inch below the soil line. The root ball should be moist.
   
   
2. Measure the root ball height from ground to the first (top) root. This is the planting depth. Dig the hole 3 times the root ball width. This will loosen the soil for faster rooting. Leave the sides of the hole rough, not smooth.
   
   
3. Place the tree in the center of the planting hole and recheck planting depth. Adjust as needed. Make sure the tree is straight from 2-3 directions. Remove as much burlap, wire, twine as possible.
   
   
4. Stake newly planted trees only in areas where high winds are common. Remove any stake within 8-12 months.
   
   
5. Fertilize your trees after planting. If you have questions, contact an arborist at Ryan Lawn & Tree