Spring is a great time for planting trees because they have an entire growing season to become established. A common rule of thumb says that a tree, to become established, will take one year for every diameter inch of the trunk. Spring’s extra moisture and cool temperatures also help the tree overcome transplanting shock.
It is important to select the right tree for the right location, including future growth. The mature height and spread should be considered as well as the growth rate. All too often, trees have to be removed because they were planted in the wrong place and outgrew that space.
After identifying a proper location, other considerations before planting a tree include hardiness, moisture requirements, ornamental qualities (such as flowering, bark texture and foliage), potential insect problems and susceptibility to disease.
Picking out a tree in a nursery can be difficult. Here are a few items to consider:
- Stem elongation is similar or greater to other plants of the same species.
- Color and size of the leaves is normal.
- There are no mechanical wounds or disease cankers on the stem or major branches.
- Tree stem does not wiggle in the root ball and there are no cracks in the root ball indicating past movement.
- A root flare is visible and a major root is located within the top 2 inches of the root ball.
- Good structure. Most trees should have a strong central leader. Avoid trees with a lot of rubbing and crossing branches.
Always select trees at a local garden center or nursery, and ask about the warranty policy. Many nurseries will extend their warranty if they plant the tree. This is often a good option, especially for larger trees.
Ask whether the tree was locally grown or grown in a similar climate. For instance, a tree grown in Idaho or Oregon may be perfectly hardy in Denver, but one grown in Georgia or Tennessee may have cold-hardiness problems.
Trees trucked in from distant states with vastly different climates from Denver’s can experience problems when planted. Thebig-box stores and discount nurseries commonly have plants that have been trucked in from these distant regions. Notwithstanding the climatic conditions, a long truck ride can stress a tree because of wind, heat, cold and lack of water during transport. Plants that come from dissimilar climates are not likely to be cold-hardy in our region and often come with small root balls.
Some discount nurseries offer 2-for-1 specials or truckload sales, but these trees are often low-grade and are shipped in from distant regions. Also, it is strongly advised not to purchase “mountain dug” or collected trees from a trailer on the side of the road. Mortality rates of these trees are often extremely high because of poor handling and limited root systems.
An established and reputable local garden center or nursery will provide buyers with sound local advice, help them select a healthy tree and offer a reliable resource if problems occur.
Look for a Colorado Certified Nursery Professional to help you select the best tree for your needs.
You also might want to contact the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association (coloradonga.org) to check if the nursery you are dealing with is a member.
The Better Business Bureau is another great resource when selecting a reputable nursery.
Robert Brudenell is a certified master arborist and owner of The Natural Way Inc. Send questions to robert@thenaturalwayinc.net.
