Ron’s Articles
Tree Planting Tips
January 2007
1. Select the Proper Tree for Your Environment
Things to consider: tree width, height, growth rate, cold and heat tolerance, pH requirements, soil type, structure, drainage, exposure, water requirements and adaptability.
2. Place Tree in a Desired Location.
Stand back and look at the tree; imagine it, as it will look as it matures. Height, width, branching structure. Now mark the face of the tree and your location, this will help you place the tree with its most desirable face out. Once the tree is in the hole, the least amount of movement the better.
3. Add Root Stimulator.
With the tree still in desired location mix RON’S ROOT RIGHT at 4-oz. per gallon of water. With a long screw driver or golf shaft, poke several holes on top of root ball and saturate with RON’S ROOT RIGHT mixture.
4. Mark the Hole.
Measure distance from center of root ball to outer edge. Add this distance to the edge of the container and mark the hole. This is the width to dig the hole. Next, find the root flare. This will be at the bottom of the trunk where it flares out into the root ball; this is usually covered by mulch or soil in container plants. Remove the excess soil or mulch. This step is crucial... now measure from the bottom of the root ball to the root flare and subtract two inches. This is how deep you will dig the hole for the plant.
5. Dig the Hole.
Now move the tree and dig a saucer shaped hole. The rougher or more serrated the edges the better. Make sure the edges are not glazed, if the sides are smooth take a hand or garden cultivator and rough them up. This will help the roots penetrate the edges and not circle the hole. Make sure the hole is not dug too deep. It is imperative that the root flare is two inches above the existing grade.
6. Fill the Hole with Water.
If 2/3 of the water is not gone in 1 hour, you have a drainage problem. You must move the tree or consult with a landscape professional to fix the drainage.
7. Place the Tree in the Hole
Align your markers, make sure the root flare is 2-inches above the existing grade. Take the cultivator and rough up the edges. This will prevent root circling and stimulate the roots to grow outward.
8. Backfill the Hole With the Soil Previously Removed.
Once the hole is half way full, evenly water the top to settle the dirt. Do not tamp. Repeat this step so that the soil is level with the existing grade and the bottom of the root flare.
9. Add Compost.
Add 1-inch layers of RON’S SUPER COMPOST from the root flare out 6-12-inches past the edge of the hole. Apply RON’S SUPER BLEND on top of the compost. Now add 2-3-inches of cedar mulch as a top dressing, taking care not to let the mulch touch the trunk. It is important not to let the mulch decompose below a 1-inch depth during the first 2 years.
10. Stimulate the Microbes.
Now pour on RON’S ROOT RIGHT, working from the center outward, totally saturating the mulched surface. This will stimulate beneficial microbes, fungus and bacteria (the natural energy in the soil), and will form a symbiotic relationship with roots to feed and protect the tree from harmful pathogens. This will provide the tree more energy for top growth, preventing diseases and making it insect resistant.
Do NOT wrap the trunk, stake the tree or cut any live growth off the tree!
Do NOT use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides!
How to Water and Care for Your New Tree
New trees will need special attention their first year to keep the root ball from dying out. There will be no set pattern or schedule you can rely on since our North Texas climate changes so rapidly. You will not be able to rely on a sprinkler system either.
During the first two months you will need to check your tree every 5 days. You will need a moister meter to probe the root ball, and water when the root ball is dry and not before.
The proper way to water is by hand with a watering wand from the center outward making sure you have evenly saturated the root ball at least 6-inches deep. This will lengthen the days between watering and stimulate new root growth to chase the water. Or, if you do not have the time to water by hand, you can use a GATOR-BAG, it has tiny holes in the bottom and will water the tree very slowly and thoroughly. This technique will greatly enhance the growth rate and viability of your tree since the tree can’t grow up until the root grows out.
During months 3-12 you should check at least once a week. There are many climate factors such as rain, wind, heat, humidity, and temperature that will factor in the days between watering. After a heavy rain you should take advantage of this nutrient health tonic and extend the next watering as long as possible.
Here are some other steps you can take to promote the growth and overall health of your new tree:
- Use RON’S ROOT RIGHT once a month for the first year.
- Foliar Feed landscape every month with RON’S SUPER SAUCE at the rate of 4-oz. per gallon of water, a trombone sprayer works best.
- Feed your landscape every 12 weeks with one of RON’S SUPER BLENDS, there are several to choose from.
- Consult with your favorite Ron’s Organics, Inc. representative for your special needs.
These steps will add life and energy to your soil which will improve the health and vitality of your landscape, making it more resistant to diseases and insects.
