Spring Tree Planting - When, Where, and What

Planting a tree can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for southern Illinois residents. Urban trees provide plenty of benefits, including shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air, beauty, wind protection, and added value to properties. However, a tree planted in the wrong place can cause many problems. These problems can be expensive and hazardous, and can range from power outages to collapsed foundations.

Before planting a tree, a homeowner must first consider the type of tree to be planted. The type of tree will determine where it can be planted, depending on the trees growth rate, potential height growth, and sunlight requirements. For example, a white oak would need to be planted in partial to full sun in order to be able to grow healthy and straight. It would also have to be planted at least 50 feet away from any overhead structures, such as power lines, because of the 90 feet of height a white oak can attain. Tall trees should also be planted at least 15 feet from any structures on the property to prevent foundation problems. It will also make pruning and removal of limbs in the future easier and less expensive. Finally, newly established trees of any size should be planted 35 feet from street intersections. This will maintain visibility and community safety.

Smaller trees can be planted if space and light are limited. These trees include native trees such as eastern red bud or flowering dogwood. They can be planted much closer to structures due to their small stature, and can be planted in the shade since they require less sunlight than other tree species. These are also some of the few tree species that can be planted close to overhead structures due to their limited height growth.

Recommended trees to avoid planting in urban areas are silver maple, box elder, locust, tree-of-heaven, catalpa, willow, and elm. These trees are either susceptible to insect and disease or have poor structural stability.

When the type of tree to be planted and its location are decided, it is time to plant. Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant a new yard tree. Because the tree is dormant during this time frame, it experiences little stress from the planting activity. The newly planted tree will have to be watered at least every other day for a 2 week period. Once the roots become established, watering is extended to one inch of water every week for the rest of the summer. The following year, the tree should be watered consistently, especially if dry weather is a problem. Mulching the tree, 2 to 4 inches deep, 3 feet around the stem, will also help control competition from grass and weeds and will help retain water.

Once a tree is planted, consistent care and maintenance will help with the development and health of the tree. Contact a local arborist for advice on how to care for your tree early in development.

By Mike Long – Arborist/Forester
Long Forestry/Lumberjack Tree Care

Never Top Your Trees!!

Topping a tree is not a recommended or healthy prunning technique for a tree. Our urban forests need to be protected from harmful prunning techniques and from arborists who will commit ethical violations to collect payment from an uniformed customer. Tree topping will cause our urban forests be full of rotted tree tops and dying trees with broken limbs that will endanger those on the ground. Promote a healthy tree with proper preventative prunning techniques and use trustworthy and professional arborists.