A Guide to Planting and Care of Trees for Public Property Plantings

Planting Site Selection & Preparation

Bareroot seedlings range from 20-30 cm in height. Planting these in areas of high public use such as parks or playgrounds requires precautions. Young seedlings could easily be trampled by dogs, bicycles, skiers, etc. They must be protected from competition from weeds and grass. Trees should never be simply spaded into existing grass as the grass will choke out or severely restrict proper tree growth and development. This will result in poor trees and a disappointed tree planter. Therefore, the planting site must be well tilled beforehand with a cultivator or rotovator. If a shelter row is being established cultivation of a complete strip of land is desirable. The trees can be planted in rows and cultivation equipment can be used between the rows for weed control after planting.

If spot tree plantings are being made in a park or lawn area then a small area (1 metre in diameter) can be dug up where each tree is to be planted. The sod should be completely removed and the soil well loosened by digging or rotovating.

If the permanent site is not properly prepared start the seedlings in a temporary location such as a well tilled garden area and transplant to the permanent site in a subsequent year. Seedlings may be grown in a nursery bed for 1-3 years depending on the species.

Planting

• To keep the roots from drying out during planting carry the trees in a pail or in their shipping bag with moist peat moss covering the roots at all times. This is particularly important for conifers.
• Dig the hole deep enough to receive the root system without crowding or folding the roots. If the topsoil is shallow, discard any poor subsoil and place a small amount of topsoil in the bottom of the hole before planting.
• Plant the trees at the same depth as grown at the nursery. Planting depth is indicated by a change in colour on the bark at the former soil line.
• Place moist soil around the roots and pack firmly by tramping with your heel. Make sure the tree is snug in the hole by giving it a little tug.

Watering

Watering thoroughly at planting time, and two or three times after planting if it is a dry spring, will increase planting survival. Watering is particularly important for coniferous seedlings.

Protection

Clearly mark planting sites with stakes or signs. In high use areas the plantings may need to be cordoned off with fencing or rope. For winter protection snow fences can be used to both block winter traffic from the planting, and trap snow that will cover the trees and prevent winter drought injury.

Weed Control

Weed control will be required for the first four or five years after planting. The area around the base of the trees must be kept free of grass and weeds otherwise the competition for water and nutrients will result in stunted growth and reduced health. Hand or mechanical cultivation would be the best method for small plantings. Shallow and careful cultivation is required to prevent injury to tree roots.

Chemical control can be used but selection and application should be supervised by a professional.

A mulch or ground cover of plastic, bark chips or sawdust may be useful in certain situations to control weed growth and retain moisture. If plastic is used a basin shape must be created around the trees and a small opening left around the stem so that rainfall can be channelled to the roots. The plastic must be secured with stones, soil, or other materials.

Other Tree Care

Control of insects and diseases is essential for healthy growth.

Pruning is required only to remove dead limbs or broken branches. Pruning is also advisable if transplanting larger tree stock.

Fertilization is not usually required in the first year of growth since the trees are generally re-establishing their root system in that period. For subsequent yearts light fertilization may be desirable. Special formulations for either coniferous (needle) or deciduous (broadleaf) plants are available from most lawn and garden centres. Follow instructions on the label.