Common Mistakes When Planting Trees

Planting trees can be a lifetime investment. Depending on the size of the tree, it also has the potential to be financially significant. The shade trees we sit under today were probably planted decades ago so be sure and get your new tree off to a good start. Here are some of the most common mistakes that are made when planting trees:

1. Too deep

Trees have what is known as a “root flare”. This is where the roots meet the trunk of the tree. The trunk is slightly wider here with bark surface, not roots. The root flare should be just above the soil line after planting. The root flare should not be buried.

2. Too shallow

Planting your tree too shallow allows roots near the surface of the root ball to dry out too quickly. This also inhibits new roots from properly anchoring the tree into the ground.

3. Pot bound/girdled roots

• Take a good look at the root ball of your tree when you take it out of the pot. You may see many roots circling around the pot, growing out of the drainage holes, and possibly growing right around the trunk of the tree. This is called pot bound. You will need to loosen up and prune the roots before you plant your tree to prevent girdling roots. Depending on how dense the root growth is, use a trowel or shovel and pull away some of the potting mix and spread out the roots. If they are very dense you can slice through the root ball with a sturdy tool like a shovel or with pruners. Make four cuts from the top of the root ball to the bottom to loosen the ball. Prune off roots that may have circled around the pot or root ball. This doesn’t damage the tree and also helps to initiate new root growth.
• If you bought a balled and bur lapped tree, after placing the tree in the hole, you should remove all of the burlap, if possible, without the root ball disintegrating. The burlap can be cut with pruners and removed or pushed down into the very bottom of the hole. At least half of the wire basket should be cut off with a wire cutter. Some of the basket can be bent down into the bottom of the hole if you can’t remove it all.
• Don’t forget to remove all plastic/wire/string tags as these can girdle and damage branches as the tree grows.

4. Improper mulching

Don’t suffocate your tree with too much mulch. Two inches deep is plenty. The shape of the mulch should be like a bowl to direct the rain toward the tree. This helps keep the surface of the soil cool, to retain moisture, and discourages weed growth. Don’t pile the mulch up against the trunk of the tree. We call these volcano mulches. This creates an environment for soil fungi and other pathogens to infect the trunk when the mulch decays. It also can create conditions where shallow surface roots sprout which may die during a drought. The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension recommends keeping mulch three inches away from the trunk of your tree.

5. Poor site selection

Choose the right tree for the right spot! Be aware of the mature size of the tree and plan accordingly. In twenty years time you don’t want your prized possession to be mangled by the utility company because of overhead wires. So, if you are planting under utility lines plant a small tree species. Take into consideration the environmental requirements of the trees you are considering. Additional information can be found from UMD’s Cooperative Extension office and your local independent garden centers can give you advice on the trees you are considering as well.

6. Improper watering

Water your tree immediately after you plant it. It can take up to two years for a tree to become completely established in its new location so be sure and check the soil moisture around it frequently. Depending on weather conditions, you may need to water as much as twice a week. Residents can help to retain the tree canopy on their property and do their part to maintain the tree canopy in the City of College Park.