If you’re looking to plant trees around your home, you need to take major factors into account. Picking a tree and choosing a random area at any time of the year is not going to cut it.

It’s essential to consider the landscape you’re planting in, the trees native to your area, and weather conditions. Most homeowners make a few common mistakes when planting trees, here’s how you can avoid making them next time.

Not Planting the Tree Correctly

How you plant a tree will affect how it grows for the rest of its life. One common mistake people make when planting is not making the hole big enough for the root ball to settle into.

In addition, if the soil where the tree is planted is too compact, it can add stress to the roots, making it more difficult to grow.

Soil needs to be prepared properly to ensure healthy growth. Adding the correct amounts of organic matter and mulch will give your tree the nutrients it needs. If you do not add organic matter or mulch properly, then the tree will not grow properly.
Poor Soil Chemistry
When you plant trees that are not native to your area, they do not have chemistry with the natural soil. This can make it difficult for the trees to grow. This is also why it is recommended to plant trees native to your area because it works with the natural soil chemistry.

Otherwise, they will require more maintenance than native trees, and may even cause damage to the ecosystem.

Tree Handling & Placement

The way a tree is handled when it is young will affect the rest of its growth cycle. Typically before you purchase a tree, it will have grown for a number of months in a field. The trees are then wrapped and shipped to stores around the country. This can stress the tree, so it is essential that it is done properly.

Additionally, where you place a tree will affect its lifespan. Some trees need more, or less, sun than others. Generally, this affects root growth. This means that choosing the right spot for the tree to be planted matters. It can also mean less pruning and maintenance in the long term.

Planting Too Close to Your Home

Planting anything too close to the home is always a bit dangerous. Not only can this affect the foundation, but it can also bring bugs inside.

Eventually, it can rot the siding of your home and roots can damage the foundation or basement.

Improper Mulching

Mulching is a great way to get the right nutrients and moisture to your trees, but sometimes homeowners mulch too much. If there is a mulch that is piled up several inches around the trunk of the tree, then there is too much.

This is because it stops the gaseous exchange at the bark leading to a suffocation of the roots. Eventually, this can also lead to fungal and bacterial issues rotting behind the mulch.

Not Watering Properly

The method of watering is very important for trees. Every tree requires a certain amount of water, The soil should always be moist, but typically around 30 seconds of watering is enough. Mulching can help to retain moisture in the soil, but you do not want it to be too wet.

As long as the soil is moist two inches deep, you do not need to water. After the first two years of a tree’s life, your tree will not be as sensitive because it will have a more solid root structure.

Over-Fertilizing

Fertilization is great to make trees strong, but typically they will only need high levels of organic matter, water, mulch, and sun. You may also want to include mycorrhizae, but otherwise, you will not need to add much to your trees in the first few years.

Sometimes, certain fertilizers will stress trees by forcing them to overproduce.

Overcrowding

Every plant has its own needs, but placing too many plants next to one another can cause major issues. When you place many trees or plants next to each other it can make them compete for food, water, and sunlight.

When planting trees make sure to leave a space in between them and surrounding plants so they can get the nutrients they need to grow. The last thing you want is to plant a beautiful tree, only to see it struggle to grow because the area is overcrowded.

Planting Trees at the Wrong Time

Planting at the wrong time of the year can be the cause of your plants failing to grow. This is due to the climate being different at different times of the year. New trees do best when they are in a mild temperature and moderate rainfall. If it is too hot or too cold it can kill the tree.

Spring and early fall are usually the best seasons to plant in.

Pruning Improperly

Although you might be able to prune your own trees, hiring someone to prune your trees as a professional is a better idea. If you prune your trees improperly then it can leave the trees vulnerable. This may lead to wind damage, too much sun, or even death.

If you want to plant a tree and ensure that it grows to its maximum height, let a professional plant the tree for you.

Our experts at Dial Environmental have helped New Jersey homeowners successfully plant hundreds of trees in the area and we can help you too!

Get a free quote on all of our lawn care services by contacting us online or giving us a call!