THE LEAFLET

With cooler temperatures starting this week off with a bang, we are getting excited for Fall over here at Casey Trees. While we’re busy with our biggest planting season adding trees to the District, this time of year is a terrific time for homeowners to add some trees to their property. Properly cared for throughout their life, trees will give the planter and their neighbors many years of satisfaction and pleasure.

Here are the top tips to tackle tree transplanting:

1. 

   Considering how and where a tree will grow is crucial.

   Right Tree, Right Place
   Above all, no matter how well the tree is planted or how quickly it establishes if you don’t set a tree up for success it will never flourish. Planting a sun loving Yellowwood in the shade? Don’t do it! Planting the tall and wide Southern Magnolia under power lines? Just stop! Taking a few minutes to think through how the tree will grow (and how the space will evolve around it) will lead to the most favorable outcome for all.

2. Plant Some Green, Save Some Green
   We have numerous ways to lower the cost of adding a tree to your home. If you’re feeling the itch to plant a tree yourself, take advantage of our tree rebate program and get money back for any approved tree you plant. Let our crew plant a beautiful shade tree in your yard through RiverSmart Homes. Through this program our certified tree arborist will assess your property, recommend tree species and where to plant your new tree(s), all for a $50 co-pay.
   

   Proper 3-3-3 mulching technique

3. Mulch
   Mulch helps keeps the soil surrounding a tree nice and moist (and makes your life easier by keeping weeds in check!) It’s key to apply mulch in a doughnut shape around the tree trunk – stacking the mulch around the trunk can deprive a tree of air, water and nutrients it needs to develop and grow. Stick to our 3-3-3 rule: 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk.
4. Planting Tips
   While we have a whole page of resources, there are a few misconceptions people have about planting. First up? The hole for the tree should be 2-3 times as wide as the root ball, but the hole doesn’t actually have to be that deep -only tall enough so the root flare is exposed. Another tip? Don’t be too gentle with the root ball. As the tree grew into its transportation container, it may have formed circling roots and you want to be sure you promote proper root establishment. Rough up that root ball a bit and cut any questionable roots!
5. Water
   Young trees have a tough life in the city and they need all the help they can get – and they need to be watered for much longer than most people expect – two to three years after being planted.  While you water trees, plants, and shrubs on your property consider filling up the Gator Bags or soaking your street trees. They’ll thank you! Young trees need 25 gallons of water a week to survive. Follow our Weekly Watering Alerts throughout the summer to keep tabs on whether or not to take out the hose.

Overwhelmed at what to do next? We have a great guide for Young Tree Care and can be found on Twitter or Instagram @CaseyTrees. Happy Planting!