KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - FALL TREE PLANTING
Fall is a great time to
plant trees. The tree will have time to establish roots before the ground freezes and
will have a good start when spring arrives. Many garden centers will discount
trees in the fall to prevent carrying stock over the winter.
First check the tree's
appearance. Look to see if the trunk has a straight, strong well-defined
leader. The "leader" is the very top of the trunk. Trees with multiple leaders that
cross, rub, or are crowded together haven't been properly pruned at the
nursery. Stay away from them!
Next look for good root
flare. The flare is the spreading base of the trunk that connects with the
roots. If you don't see a root flare the tree was probably planted too deeply. Avoid these.
The root system should be
big enough to support the tree. For every inch of trunk diameter there should
be 12-16 inches of root ball. The trunk should not wobble freely of the soil
ball.
Check the roots. Roots
should be white, pink, or light tan. Roots that are black or dark brown are
damaged or already dead. The roots should not tightly circle the ball, these
can choke the tree and not spread out for healthy growth.
Look at the trunk for
blemishes or wounds. Trunks with wounds have been improperly handled. Make sure nursery stakes have not scarred the
tree or its' branches.
Of course look for insect or
disease damage. Speckled foliage may indicate pests that suck plant juices such
as spider mites or aphids. Holes in the trunk are signs of borer damage.
Plant according to
directions provided with the tree. Most important are digging a big enough hole
and watering deeply and well until the ground freezes.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH
& DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
