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“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now”
-Chinese Proverb
In the heat of summer do you ever wish you could escape the sun’s scorching rays? Wish you had a place to hang a swing for your children to enjoy? Want to attract more birds and wildlife to your yard? Want to improve your mental health, have cleaner air to breathe? One simple act can address all these needs and desires…just plant a tree! Fall is the best time of year to plant trees as cooler temperatures, combined with soil still warm from summer, allows trees to send their energy into growing strong roots. So, what are you waiting for, get planting!
You do need to do a bit of research to make sure your tree will be happy in its new home. Consider your hardiness zone, the sunlight the area receives, what type of soil you have, and what the moisture conditions are for the area in consideration. Once you’ve confirmed your tree is a good match, dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and deep enough to set the entire root ball in. You want the top of the root ball to be level with the surrounding ground. Remove your tree from the plastic container or burlap and take a look at the roots, if they appear to be bound together loosen them gently with a fork. Place the tree in the hole, fill in with dirt, and water thoroughly. It’s best to wait a couple days before topping with a thin layer of compost and two inches of mulch. Take care not to mound the soil, compost, or mulch against the trunk, it will harm the tree. Keep the tree watered regularly during its first year in your yard, paying extra attention during hot spells and times of little rain. Having given your tree its best possible start, you should be rewarded with many years of enjoyment beneath its branches.
Have gardening questions? Please contact us at ccgardenclubinfo@gmail.com or message us on Facebook at “Caroline County Garden Club-Maryland.”
