One of the most gratifying actions you take is to grow a tree. You not only get to play a part in caring for the environment, but you also get to experience watching that little seed grow into a magnificent tree. But growing a tree is not easy—it’s more like a hike through the woods. So, if you are eager to dirty your hands read on to discover how to grow a tree properly.
Selecting The Right Tree For Your Area (How to Grow a Tree)
Before you get swept away with glee and choose saplings, a little dose of reality is required. Some trees don’t belong everywhere. It would be like trying to grow a palm tree in the center of a snowy field; awkward, no? To select a tree you must consider your climate, soil and the space within your backyard.
Some trees are picky. Some oak varieties require ample square footage to spread out their roots, while others — such as dwarf fruit trees — are best for small yards and can even be kept in pots. Ask at a nursery or garden center what trees do well near you or better still look to your neighbour, if he has a particularly happy looking tree then so should yours assuming similar soil and weather conditions.
Pick the Perfect Spot (How To Grow aTree)
With your tree chosen, the next step is to select a location. It is more than just selecting a nice looking location. You need to consider how it grows, its type of root system and what it will require in the future. Will it get enough sunlight? Is there space for it to fill in without bumping up against other plants or things? Is the tree secretly planning to grow into your neighbours Wi-Fi? These are all valid concerns.
Various trees enjoy full sun and others like shade. You can find examples of this where maple trees prefer the full sunlight while willows are okay in partial shade. Plus consider how large your tree will become. But planting too close to your home or under power lines can lead to some big trouble in the future.
Dig the Right Hole (How To Grow a Tree)
So—get the shovel and dig. But before you do, just keep in mind: the hole you dig for your tree is important. There needs to be enough room for the roots to grow, not just a hole that fits the tree. Ideally you want a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the tree roots are tall.
Pro-tip: While you may be inclined to get in there and excavate, don’t over-do it. If the hole is very deep, it can also cause the roots to lie too far under the ground which will kill the tree as well. Goldilocks it—just right.
Plant Your Tree (How To Grow a Tree)
When you are preparing the hole, place your tree to the security of become treated. So be gentle – it is a tree, not a sack of potatoes. Ensure that the upper edge of the root ball is on a level with the existing ground soil Planting your tree too deep could suffocate it and prevent it from getting the oxygen it needs to grow healthy. You need your tree standing tall—so don´t let him slouch.
Gently tamp down the soil as you backfill to keep packing out airspace. You want to ensure the roots are tight but not too tight. Sort of like putting your tree to sleep for the night—sans bedtime story.
Not Enough Water (But Not Too Much, Either). (How To Grow a Tree)
Watering is the most crucial factor in ensuring your tree is content at this early stage. Water the tree right after planting. After that, maintain adequate moisture while avoiding making it soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so look for the balance between a thirsty tree and one that is drowning.
The first year you will have to water your tree frequently, especially in the absence of rain. Most young trees require approximately 10-15 gallons of water each week, depending on the species. On a particularly hot summer, you could increase the watering > The ONLY thing that should go here are plants that thrive in wet soils — so keep the soil well-draining, as your tree’s roots do not like sitting in a puddle.
What mulch is not just for garden beds. (How To Grow a Tree)
Mulch around the base of your tree is like giving it a warm and cozy blanket to not only keep it warm but also helps retain moisture in the soil! The mulch also protects the soil temperature, but not weeds too won’t be able to grow, which equals less competition for your tree. We all want our tree a tad bit luxe, am I right?
Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch need to be evenly spread, however not heaped towards the base of the tree like a snowbank. You want it to be like a friend that is supporting you and not tracking you.
Prune with Purpose (How to Grow a Tree)
Yes, trees require their separate style also! Although pruning has a lot of significance in shaping your tree, it shouldn’t be excessive. The secret sauce is to take away the dead or damaged limbs as properly as something that is crossing forward of or rubbing in opposition to one another. You can think of it like a haircut—moving a bit and keeping it all tidy.
When pruning a young tree, aim for one or two center leaders (the main trunk) and branching. Don’t prune it aggressively right away — the tree needs to establish itself. Leave it alone and let it grow a bit before you start shaping it like a crafts project.
So, give it time and enjoy your writing process (How To Grow a Tree)
It takes a long time to grow a tree. It’s more like a lifelong commitment → » they are in for the long term You won’t get instant results, but tended to do well your tree will evolve over time into something great.
And keep in mind, it is patience. Over the years, your tree will just get bigger, stronger and more beautiful. Your sapling may take a few years to stretch its branches, but believe that you are reaping the benefits of your hard work.
Final Thoughts (How to Grow a Tree)
Planting a tree is only one of the most rewarding things you could ever do, but it needs time, effort, and some love. It needs to be fed and watered gently, like any relationship. In no time at all, you will be watching your tree journal from a small sapling to a large and powerful thing that may even take the admiration of your neighbors.
So go ahead—plant that tree. Find the right place for it, give it the proper care and some motivation — let it go from there! Although you may not see immediate results, eventually your tree will repay the favor with shade, beauty and perhaps even some fruit (if there’s any to be had!).