Garden Talk - Planting for a green, leafy future

Last Saturday morning, McMillan Park was bustling with visitors and activities. A good many of the visitors were loading up beautiful young trees destined for planting around the area.

To all those tree-planters, and to everyone else who has planted a tree this year, congratulations and thank you! When trees flourish in our landscapes, everyone benefits.

If you have planted trees this spring, be sure to keep them watered very consistently for the first week or so ? daily unless there is rain. Water slowly and thoroughly, taking care to provide moisture for the entire root-ball and the surrounding soil as well.

After that first week, water a bit less frequently. Then, when the tree has been in the ground for four to six weeks, establish a pattern of thorough watering every seven to 10 days unless rainfall is adequate.

Other forms of care that new trees may require depend on individual specimen and planting situation. Pruning should be kept minimal; correct double leaders and any broken, dead, or crossing branches. Otherwise, keep the loppers and pruning saw away.

Fertilizing will not be needed for newly planted trees. Staking is also unlikely to be needed. The exceptions are top-heavy trees and those planted in very windy, exposed sites. For them, position the stakes to allow for natural tree movement and secure tree to stake with broad, strong strips of canvas or rubber. Try to remove stakes after one growing season.

Finally, in areas with large rabbit populations or on exposed sites where sunscald is likely, the tree can be wrapped with protective materials in November. The wrap should be removed in April. However, wrapping will not be necessary for most new trees.