Preparing the Soil
Planting a tree isn't just a matter of digging a hole and putting a seedling in the ground․ Planting a tree is an act of hope‚ an investment in the future․ Trees shade‚ beautify and give shelter to thousands of creatures․ They cleanse the atmosphere and are an important part of any ecosystem․ In an era of climate change‚ urbanization‚ and desire for green spaces‚ knowing how to plant and care for a tree is more important than ever․ Dreamers of fresh air‚ and air breathe by living trees can be achieved with a knowledge and respect of nature that helps refresh the landscape and the heart․
Before the tree is planted‚ the ground in which it is going to grow in is almost more important for the tree's health․ If the soil is healthy‚ watered‚ and has the right nutrients‚ the tree will be healthy․ Choose a site with well-draining loamy soil‚ which is generally composed of equal parts sand‚ silt‚ and clay‚ with more organic matter․ Trees prefer loamy soil in which the roots are neither waterlogged nor too dry․ Rough up the soil with a shovel if it appears more compacted than loose‚ and add compost to give the tree a good start in its new location․ More than an assignment‚ this is the first promise you make to the tree‚ that you will provide it with a home‚ and that it will flourish there․
Best Time for Planting
For most species‚ the ideal planting time is very much dependent on both precipitation and temperature․ An example is early spring and fall which have a moderate level of precipitation and temperature․ These factors allow the tree to root before the stress of extreme heat or cold begins․ Late fall works well‚ but the tree must be planted before frost sets in․ You realize that you are as much part of the tree․ What you do for it and with it is to be done at the right time․ You respond to the seasons and work in harmony with it‚ as the soil almost leaps forward to meet the form of your seed․
Digging the planting hole is an important‚ but often neglected‚ piece of the planting puzzle․ The hole must be deep enough to accommodate the root system․ The roots should not be bent and have room to spread out․ The hole for the root ball should be about twice the diameter of the root ball and should allow the roots to fan out․ The hole should not be too deep or else water could pool in the hole and drown the roots․ The base of the hole should be level with the surrounding soil․ Good drainage can be encouraged by planting the tree level with the surface of the ground‚ which is also an indication of the care and consideration you will have for your tree‚ and is a representation of the space you want to give your tree in which to grow․
The position where the tree will be planted is also a key factor; Most trees do best in positions where they will be exposed to natural sunlight‚ but consideration should also be given to the expected size of the tree and how it will affect nearby structures and plants․ However‚ it should not if at all possible interfere with or block light from the house or utility wires․ Local native trees may be a more sensible choice since they are better suited to local conditions and provide better habitats for wildlife than non-native species․ When planted in the right location‚ your tree will thrive and build a helpful relationship with the area surrounding it․
Maintaining Newly Planted Trees
Even after planting the work is not done and for the first couple of years care must be taken to keep the new tree well watered‚ especially during dry periods․ It is essential to keep the tree watered‚ but care should be taken not to overwater the tree‚ as this can be just as damaging as underwatering․ Soil should be kept moist but not soggy․ A layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps to retain moisture and control weeds․ While you watch over your tree‚ maybe giving it a support stake to help it weather the onslaught of heavy winds and rains‚ you become a gardener of life․ The more you nurture the small tree you have just planted under your care‚ the more it will grow and blossom‚ beyond human strife․
Planting a tree is the simplest and most beautiful expression of love‚ hope and care․ When one digs the soil and watches when and where to plant‚ one has truly made a conscious decision to bring life into the world․ Each tree has its own story‚ and by planting it‚ you become part of that story․ You are watering‚ staking‚ and protecting it‚ waiting for it to leaf out and grow‚ and in the process‚ putting your faith in soil and sunlight to grow it․ Year after year you will watch your tree grow‚ and the world will become more beautiful․ Not just the world around your home‚ but the world within your own life․ Planting a tree today is a gift to the future; a gift that will stretch into generations yet to come․
