NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/736554
66 NEBRASKAland • NOVEMBER 2016 Tree Planting Made Easy Choosing the right time to plant is critical to success. By Kyle Martens, Nebraska Forest Service P lant the seed, watch it grow. It sounds simple enough. Yet, when you think about what Nebraska's trees endure, you realize there's nothing cliché about it. Trees are incredibly adaptable, but they aren't invincible. Picking the right time to plant can be as important as the type of tree that is planted. Fall couples two important factors for trees: moderate temperatures and dormancy. As heat, humidity and winds begin to taper off in August, trees begin diverting energy into their root systems in preparation for winter and spring. What that means for us is that as long as the ground is workable, newly planted trees will do well even late into the fall (evergreens are an exception; stick with spring plantings). In the Arbor Day state, it is easy to become enamored by the variety of trees that are available. For novice tree planters, we recommend selecting native trees. Natives come equipped with natural resistance to the state's weather and insects, and truthfully, they were the first pioneers to settle a landscape that was dominated by grass. What better way to tie into Nebraska's tree planting heritage than by adding more American lindens, bur oaks and hackberries to the scenery? There are many other factors that should be considered before sinking your shovel into the dirt. Soil characteristics such as drainage and PH, proximity to infrastructure, the availability of sunlight, and the potential for contact from herbicides or fertilizers are all important to think about prior to planting day. Once you have your trees and sites selected, you will want to take some care to ensure the tree's new home is set up for the long haul. Each hole should be shaped like a saucer that is wider than the root system but no deeper than the root's mass. The bottom of the hole should be firm to prevent settling (augers have a reputation for causing settling and are not recommended). Plant the tree so the base of the trunk is at the original ground level or slightly higher. The first lateral roots should end up just under the soil (1-2" deep) and the root flare (the area at the base of the trunk that swells out to become the support for roots entering the soil) should be visible at ground level. Shake excess soil from the root system and make sure that all roots are loose and can be spread out in the hole. Use the original soil from the hole to backfill, breaking up clods and chunks as much as possible. Adding water during this process can help remove air pockets and moisten the roots. Mulching and staking are often overlooked during plantings. Mulch individual trees with a 2- to 4-inch layer of wood mulch extending from the trunk to at least the outer extent of the tree's leaves. Do not use rocks, and give the tree some space around the trunk; overcrowding is never a good thing. Bracing a tree is not a necessity unless it is exposed to winds. Believe it or not, most trees benefit from wind disturbance. If you do brace a tree, use only broad, belt-like materials that are attached to the trunk. Never use wire and remove the staking within one year. After planting, keep the root zone moist but not waterlogged. In general, a newly planted tree should receive about one inch of moisture per week, including rainwater, during the first growing season. Use a moisture meter to check the root zone frequently for moistness – don't just guess. Many trees are lost to either under- or over- watering. As with most things in nature, there are always caveats. If you would like more information on how to plant for success or a list of trees that do well in Nebraska, visit us at nfs.unl.edu/tree- care.