Proper Planting and Pruning Techniques for Trees Presentation by: Eva Monheim Faculty member at Temple University in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and Oak Leaf Productions GWA 9/12/20010

Sources for Tree Information Cooperative Extension in Your State – Clemson – “Planting Trees Correctly” – Ed Gilman – University of Florida – Virginia Tech US Department of Agriculture

Planting Balled and Burlapped, Bareroot and Container Trees

Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees

Tips for Planting B and B Trees All ties, burlap and wire cages should be removed If the tree is too large to remove the entire cage, remove the upper 1/3 to 2/3s of the cage – use tin snips for removal – roots of trees are usually found in the upper 24-36” of the soil Back fill the hole with soil that is unamended

Never put mulch up against the trunk of trees like volcanoes. This causes problems with the bark and encourages adventious roots which weaken the original root structure.

Drawbacks to Planting B and B Trees Balled and Burlapped trees lose 50-80% of their root systems when dug from the nursery If the root flare is buried in the nursery, more roots are lost Takes one year for every each of caliper for the roots to re-establish themselves after they are dug

This is unacceptable planting

Properly Planted Penn Treaty Elm

Tree Well

Planted to Deep – Root Flare is Buried

Planting Bareroot Trees

Tips for Planting Bareroot stock maintains ~90% of the root mass They are light to move and/or carry They need a smaller hole than the B and B tree

Backfill with unamended soils and make sure the root flare is level with the nature soil line These trees only need to be staked if they are in areas where there is a great deal of foot traffic and activity All new plantings should receive one inch of water per week during establishment ~10 gallons for a smaller tree

Place the Roots on a Mound and Spread Them Out – Then Backfill

Drawback to Bareroot Trees Small window for planting in the spring and fall of the year when plants are dormant Root systems need to be dipped in hydro gel to keep them moist until planting Need to have enough volunteers or staff for planting large quantities

Planting Containerized Trees

Tips for Planting Make sure to check that there are no circling roots to cause girdling Make sure that the root flare is at ground level Backfill with unamended soil

Drawbacks to Container Trees If the trees have been growing to long in the container – their roots may be to girdled

Girdled Roots and Buried to Deep

Things Not to Do

Healthy Root Flare

Pruning Reasons to Prune Three Ds o Damaged o Diseased o Dead

Understanding Tree Anatomy

Branch Anatomy

Tree pruned outside branch collar

Pruning Cut Should Look Like a Donut When Healing

Improper Pruning Drawing by Eva Monheim

Proper Pruning Leads to an overall healthier tree A tree that will withstand storms better Gives the tree the opportunity to have a long and happy life – well beyond our lifetime

If Your Tree is Planted Right and Pruned Properly the Tree Will Live for Generations

Thank You!