| So you want a new tree in your garden. It's best | | | | Generally speaking, you will want to avoid branch |
| to do this in the dormant season, before bud | | | | structures that will eventually become co |
| break in spring. That is not to say that it cannot | | | | dominant leaders when the tree matures, as we |
| be done at other times, but this is the best time | | | | know this to lead to structural failures. This means |
| for the tree and lessens what we call transplant | | | | that the trees that have multiple shoots growing |
| shock. When you've chosen the spot that you | | | | upward from a point at chest height (a common |
| want the tree to grow in, then stand in this spot | | | | situation in nursery trees) may not be as |
| and take a good look around. How much direct | | | | structurally sound as one with a center stem with |
| sunlight does this spot get each day? How much | | | | small lateral branches growing outward. The single |
| space is there for the tree to fill as it grows? | | | | center stemmed tree may look a bit spindly |
| What kinds of plants and trees are nearby? Take | | | | beside the trees with multiple leaders, but it will |
| all of this information with you to the nursery. | | | | grow to be a much stronger tree. Think long |
| An arborist can help you to make your decision | | | | term. |
| about what kind of tree would work well in your | | | | Take a look at the trunk flare of the tree. This is |
| spot, based on the information that you have | | | | the point at the base of the trunk that gets |
| gathered about your spot. When you've decided | | | | wider. It should be somewhat symmetrical, free |
| on the species, then it is time to decide on the | | | | of injury or decay, and not buried or wrapped |
| specimen. If you are working with an arborist, ask | | | | tightly with burlap or twine. A tree without a |
| him or her to describe for you the best branch | | | | proper trunk flare is off to a bad start in life and |
| structure of the species that you are planting. | | | | should be avoided. Note that when you plant the |
| You may be surprised to find that what may look | | | | tree you want to keep this part of the tree at or |
| attractive in the nursery is not always the best | | | | slightly above grade - never below grade - and |
| long term prospect. | | | | clear of mulch and debris to prevent rotting. |
| Since pruning your new tree is not advisable for | | | | If possible, check for circling roots. These are |
| at least the first season, but preferably for two | | | | roots that have reached the boundary of the |
| seasons after planting, it is best to start with a | | | | container and turned back toward the trunk. To |
| branch structure that needs no corrective cutting | | | | some extent these can be pruned and redirected |
| at the start. There will be plenty of specimens of | | | | when planting, but too many of them is not good |
| the species you choose, so choose carefully. If | | | | as it could lead to root girdling. |
| the right branch structure is not available, then try | | | | With the right tree chosen you are ready to take |
| another nursery. It will be worth your extra time | | | | it home and add it to your garden. |
| to get this right. | | | | |