Here are some steps
which will significantly reduce the stress placed on the trees at the time of planting:
Dig the hole three
times the diameter of the root ball but only as deep as it. It is important to make the
hole wide because roots on the newly established tree must push through the surrounding
soil to become established.
Place the tree in
the hole at the same height from which it came in the container. Most roots will develop
in the top twelve inches of soil. If planted too deep new roots will have trouble growing
do to lack of oxygen. To avoid damage when setting the tree in the hole always lift it by
the root ball and never the trunk.
Always straighten
the tree in the hole before filling it in.
Fill the hole gently
but firmly, adding some slow release fertilizer (bonemeal). Add a few inches of soil at a
time, gently packing the soil around the root ball and settling it with some water.
Continue this process until the hole is filled, firmly packing the soil to eliminate
pockets of air that may cause the roots to dry out.
Stake the tree if
necessary. If the tree is grown and dug properly at the nursery staking may not be
necessary. Remove staking after the first year of growth. Leaving this in place will make
the tree more succeptible to the elements.
Mulch around the
base of the tree taking care not to cover the actual trunk of the tree. A mulch free area
near the base of the tree is sufficient to prevent the decay of bark.
Follow up care is
very important. Water trees three to four times a week, less during rainy periods and more
frequently during hot periods. When the soil is dry beneath the surface of the mulch it is
time to water.
Due to Labrador City's climactic conditions (Zone 2, see here for an in depth explanation of
hardiness zones) limitations have to be made on what type of tree species (nursery stock)
are to be planted. The ideal time to plant trees is during the dorment season; early
spring before bud development or late fall after leaves drop.Weather conditions are cool
and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before summer heat stimulates new
top growth. However, given appropriate care nursery grown species can be planted
throughout the growing season. Proper site preperation before and after planting plus good
follow up care will allow the plant to quickly establish in its new location.