Selection, Planting Methods are Key for Healthy Trees

by Dooly Barlow

When selecting trees, choose those with a 1-inch to 1.5-inch diameter trunk for easier transplanting. Choose trees that have a good, straight central leader (trunk).

Avoid trees with narrow branch angles – they pose a problem because the branches may break off in ice and wind storms. Select trees that have flexible terminal limbs (the very end of the limb, the newest growing point). This is a way to test the health of a tree. If the young limbs break off instead of bending, the tree is not healthy.

Planting in the proper site makes all the difference in the world. Don't plant 10 to 15 feet from a structure, because pruning or training the tree to fit the site will deform the natural growth of the tree. Instead, plant a small species or plant at least 25 feet from a structure.

Proper planting method is another issue. Dig the hole at least twice the diameter of the rootball. The rootball should not be planted too deep – the root flare (where the trunk and roots meet) should be at soil level. Remember, the rootball will sink somewhat.

Move the tree by the rootball, not by the trunk. Remove any bindings or rope around the trunk after setting the tree in the hole. If using a tree with a burlap-wrapped rootball, remove the burlap before planting. Container-grown stock (grown in a plastic container such as a bag, box or pot) can be planted any time because all roots are in the container. The container-grown stock will transplant easier than bare-root (not grown in a container) stock. Cut the container and remove it from the rootball.

After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with the same soil that was dug out of the tree-planting site. Water the soil around the roots to make sure no air pockets form around them, and make a small dike around the planting site to hold in moisture.

Put down a 3- to 4-inch layer of bark chip mulch over the soil around the tree in a 4-foot diameter. This will keep the soil damp and at a moderate temperature.

Use a two or three guy wire support system to stabilize a newly planted tree for the first year of its life. Use rubber hose pieces around the guy wire to protect the tree bark from damage.

We have a new publication, Trees for Ardmore, regarding tree planting and suggested trees for our area.

Please contact our agricultural publication distribution department at (580) 224-6480 for a copy.

Ten Trees Suggested for Southern Oklahoma and Northern Texas

• Water Oak
• Redbud
• Bald Cypress
• Smoke Tree
• Chinese Pistachio
• Sawtooth Oak
• Shumard Red Oak
• Bur Oak
• Caddo Sugar Maple
• Amur Maple