| When planting a tree, always be careful to choose | | | | can be applied if desired. This is not necessary as |
| a good location with the proper exposure, soil, and | | | | the plant matures. Keep the soil around the tree |
| room to grow. The planting hole should be twice | | | | free of weeds and remove any sapling growth at |
| as large as the root ball and allow the crown of | | | | the base of the tree. Pruning is usually not |
| the roots to be just at the edge of the soil line. Fill | | | | necessary unless for aesthetic reasons. Another |
| the hole with water and any amendments the | | | | reason to prune is if the branches cross over |
| nursery recommends. Also, position any stake | | | | each other and start crowding the interior of the |
| you plan to use before planting the tree. This | | | | tree. This thinning should be done carefully and |
| eliminates any damage to the root system. Trees | | | | consulting an arborist is a good idea. For large |
| should be staked for at least, the first year, | | | | trees, you definitely should consult a licensed |
| depending on their size and sturdiness. Some | | | | professional. |
| smaller trees need to be staked longer, especially | | | | It's important to prune at the correct time of |
| if you have strong winds. | | | | year. For ornamental, deciduous trees, the best |
| Be very careful to choose trees that fit the area | | | | time is when they're dormant. This is to prevent |
| you're landscaping. For patios, choose smaller | | | | the bleeding of sap, which is at it's lowest level |
| trees that don't make a mess with lots of | | | | during dormancy. |
| shedding leaves or fruit. Also, make sure the tree | | | | When pruning branches, look for the swelling of |
| you choose doesn't have invasive roots that will | | | | the branch collar where it joins the main trunk and |
| either raise the cement or interfere with | | | | make the cut just outside of this. If the collar isn't |
| underground pipes. | | | | visible make sure the cut doesn't penetrate the |
| During the first two or three years trees should | | | | trunk and is slightly angled away from it. |
| be given extra care until they become established. | | | | When it comes to pests and diseases, most trees |
| This means they should be watered deeply, | | | | are pest free and require little care for this. If a |
| especially during hot summer weather. Also check | | | | problem persists, there are remedies available, |
| the ties regularly to ensure that stem growth is | | | | both chemical and organic. If you've cared for |
| not restricted. Stakes should be removed after a | | | | your tree with cultivation, water and fertilizer you |
| couple of years unless the tree is especially | | | | shouldn't face too many problems. |
| spindly. Light dressings of a well balanced fertilizer | | | | |