Thursday, July 17, 2008

How to start...

The main rules for beginners are:
At first, You have to select the best time of year for planting the tree. Don't plant in late spring or summer because the heat will damage the plant and may cause it to die. The best times for planting a tree are autumn or early spring.

Then check if there aren't any telephone and other cables.

After that You have to prepare the hole. The size of the hole depends on the tree. Try to dig it a little larger so that your plant will fit easily. Dig a hole 2-3 times bigger of the root, not just such hole where it fits. This helps the roots more easily grow outwards. It also allows you to cut off the root basket if there is one. Water the base of the hole and let the water seep through into the surrounding soil.

Prepare the tree for planting. The process is different for a small tree and a large tree:
If it is a small tree, you can turn it upside down gently to get it out of the pot.
If the tree is larger and has a rope bag, you might need to use large scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the packaging. Don't cut balled and burlapped trees until they are actually sitting in the hole. This prevents root damage when dropping it in the hole.

Place the tree into the hole very very gently. Be sure the hole isn't too deep or too shallow. The ground level of the plant in the pot should match up with the ground level after you fill the hole in. Do not bury over the crown (where the stem changes to root) or leave any roots exposed.

Add fertilizer only after the hole is dug. All plants need fertilizer to thrive; too much and you will burn the leaves or kill the plant. Follow the package directions. A good choice is slow release fertilizer, available from garden stores.

Use some compost if needed. If the dirt that you currently have is not rich, has clay-like qualities or if it has the consistency of dust or sand, the addition of manure will give the tree a great start in life. Backfill three quarters of the hole with existing dirt, one quarter with compost or composted manure.

After planting water new tree. Allow settling, backfill the remaining soil, and water again. This will eliminate air pockets. Water 3.5 liters for every 15 cm of tree height.

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