If you have a front or back garden, you can enjoy growing different types of plants and shrubs, such as flowers and trees. Trees, in particular, not only bring moments of joy to you and the whole family, but also bring other benefits, such as cleaner air, oxygen supply, cooler roads, attract wildlife and prevent erosion of the forest. soil. But planting a tree doesn't just mean simply digging a hole and burying the plant. You also need to consider the type of soil, the climate you live in, which species are suitable for your area, and other factors such as zoning laws, before you can plant certain trees. Give yourself time to think about these factors and you will be able to successfully plant a tree and enjoy all it offers you for years to come.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Deciding Which Type of Tree to Plant
Step 1. Assess your goal
Before starting the whole procedure, first you need to consider the final purpose. Do you want to include a couple of trees on your property to enhance the first impression your garden generates and increase the value of the home? Or maybe you want to plant them just for the pleasure of seeing them grow and attract wildlife, such as birds that can rest on their branches. Knowing why you want to plant a tree will help you make the best decisions in every aspect of the job, from the type of tree that best suits your needs, to where to plant it.
Step 2. Consider the climate in your area
You need to take into account the local climatic conditions before planting a tree, so that you can find the most suitable species that is able to survive and thrive in your garden or yard. Contact the ARPA in your region or the Forestry Police for more information about your area and the best types of trees to plant.
- Depending on the region you are in, the climatic conditions can be very different, especially in mountainous areas.
- The Italian climate is generally defined as temperate, therefore all plants that live well in this climate zone are suitable.
- You can consult this link and other websites to get an idea of the different climatic zones in Italy.
- Knowing your area will help you identify the types of trees and other plants you can grow, in the hope that they will thrive.
- However, keep in mind that this general information does not consider the local and specific differences of each individual area, including humidity, soil, winds and other conditions that could affect the survival chances of individual plants.
Step 3. Consider the soil in your garden
You must also consider this aspect, before deciding to plant a tree. Certain factors, such as slope, neighborhood, drainage, and soil erosion, can have a major impact on your tree's development.
- For example, if you live in hilly or particularly steep terrain, it may not be a good idea to plant trees, as their roots may not be able to get a proper grip in the ground.
- If you decide to plant one or more trees to combat erosion, you should put those that already have a strong root ball, so that they are not blown away by rain or gusts of wind.
- Also take into account the types of trees and plants already present, so that the new tree adapts not only to the overall aesthetic appearance, but also has enough space not to suppress other nearby plants.
Step 4. Check local laws before digging holes and planting trees
Most municipal and provincial bodies have specific planning regulations regarding the possibility of planting trees and digging holes on private property. It is important to check these laws, to make sure you can continue with your project; otherwise, you could not only risk not being able to plant the tree, but also pay fines.
- Planting regulations and rules, more often than not, are related to whether or not you can dig holes near telephone cables, electric poles and plants. It is vital to know where the cables and fixtures are located before starting to dig.
- You should also inquire with local utility companies if you have the opportunity to dig around their poles and cables, so as not to create damage of any kind during the burial or as the tree grows.
- Ask the specific public service provider before digging. In this way you will be able to know if and where the utilities pass on your land and avoid possible damages and fines.
Step 5. Talk to a professional
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of planting a tree, talk to a qualified arborist in your area. Consult with someone who understands your wishes and knows local conditions so they can help you find the best trees to plant.
If you want to find a specialized arborist you can contact the Forest Guard in your area, do an online search or ask for advice directly from the Italian Society of Arboriculture at this link
Step 6. Buy your tree
After having done a thorough analysis and research about the climate, soil and laws of your area, you are ready to buy a tree to plant. Make sure you get one that suits your region, climate, and garden.
- Native trees tend to grow well, and you don't risk introducing a potentially invasive plant species. It is also easier to take care of a tree that is already present in the area.
- Try to plant the most suitable tree species for the habitat. For example, if you live in Trentino, planting a palm tree is not recommended. You can do an internet search to find the most suitable plants for certain climatic zones. Just enter "suitable trees" in your search engine to find different links that will be able to advise you according to the different situations of climate, environment and needs.
- As a general rule, plants with bare roots, those that are in jute and not in pots, thrive much better than those found in containers.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to Plant the Tree
Step 1. Choose the most suitable time of year to plant the tree
You have to give the plant the best chance to grow and survive. Burying it at the right time is a fundamental aspect. The correct periods, of course, vary depending on the plant and the climate you live in.
Step 2. The best phase is when the tree is dormant or in any case when it is not in full bloom, therefore in the coldest months of the year
As mentioned, these can vary based on where you reside.
- If you are not sure what is the best time to plant the tree, contact the Forestry Police.
- You can also contact the agricultural policy office of your municipality; will surely be able to help you.
Step 3. Prepare the tree
Once you have purchased your specimen, you need to prepare it for burial. This way you are sure to plant it properly and guarantee it a better chance of survival. The process is quite different, depending on the size of the tree.
- If it's a seedling, simply turn it upside down and take it out of the pot. If the roots are wrapped in jute, cut the fabric only after the plant has been buried.
- If you bought a specimen well beyond the seedling stage, cut the root container, unless it is a burlap sack; in this case you have to wait for the root system to be in the hole.
- If the roots are protected by a metal basket or wire, remove the structure with a wire cutter so it won't choke the roots as they grow and kill the plant.
- Try to keep as much of the original soil around the roots as possible and do not disturb the root system excessively to prevent it from drying out.
- Do not leave the roots out of the container or jute for too long, otherwise they may get damaged or dry out.
- If you have decided to start from a seed and not a formed seedling, follow these instructions. First you need to sprout the seed, bury it at the right time and take maniacal care of the sprout until it is strong enough. This method is significantly longer than transplanting a tree from a container.
- To germinate the seed, you must first scarify it. In practice, you have to break the outer covering and allow moisture to penetrate to trigger the embryonic process.
- When the seeds have germinated, plant them in individual containers or use a tray. Take the container or tray to a well-lit and ventilated place.
- Each type of tree has different seeds that require different care, so strictly follow the instructions based on the species of plant you decide to grow.
Step 4. Remember that if you are planting a tree from the seed of a fruit you will not get the same type of tree
For example, if you are planting seeds from a Golden Delicious apple, then a Golden Delicious apple tree will not necessarily grow. You will only be able to understand this when the plant bears fruit.
If you want to grow a tree that will produce a certain fruit, then it is best to purchase a seedling from a nursery. Make sure it already has a good root system and you will get exactly the fruit you want
Part 3 of 4: Planting the Tree
Step 1. Decide where to plant the tree and delimit the area
When you have evaluated your property and thought about why you want to grow a tree, then you can think about where to plant it. Mark the area with a brightly colored circle of spray paint.
- Remember to consider the location of the power lines, the house, the driveway and the presence of other trees, so that the roots do not damage your property as they grow.
- Use a specific spray paint to trace the area where you will bury the tree. These are cans with special nozzles that dispense the paint even when they are upside down.
Step 2. Measure the root system
Before starting to dig the hole for the tree, check the size of the roots. That way you know how deep to dig.
- At this point you can remove the jute surrounding the stump, the point where the roots are connected to the trunk.
- Use a walking tractor or garden shovel to remove the top layer of soil from the root ball.
- Remove only enough to reveal the stump.
- Measure the height and width of the root system, from the ground to the top of the stump and from side to side.
Step 3. Prepare the hole
With a shovel, dig a hole in which you will bury the plant. You must make sure that it is large enough to accommodate the tree and that it is large enough to allow the development of the roots.
- The hole must be 2-3 times the width of the root ball and as high as the latter. This allows the tree to settle in its new position and develop new roots that will grow without stress.
- Try to dig a hole in the center of which there is a small "pedestal" and on which the tree will rest. The hole must be a little deeper at the edges than in the center where there will be the earthen pedestal, the support for the roots. In this way the excess water will flow naturally into the deepest points and the roots will be able to absorb it according to their needs.
- Measure the hole to make sure it is deep enough and wide. If necessary, remove more soil until the hole reaches the proper size.
- Add a light layer of monocalcium phosphate to promote healthy root development.
Step 4. Put the tree in the hole gently
Now the time has finally come to bury the plant. After having prepared the hole so carefully, insert the tree in its new location. If it doesn't fit, remove it and change the size of the hole.
- Make sure the hole is not shallow but not too deep either. The soil covering the roots must be level with the soil surface once you have filled the hole.
- Do not bury excessively the part of the plant where the stem becomes the root - called the crown - and at the same time do not leave any exposed roots.
- You can measure the width of the hole by comparing it with the handle of the shovel and understand if the crown is at the same level as the rest of the ground before filling the hole.
Step 5. Adjust the tree
When in the hole, figure out which side is best to expose to a particular position. If you also take care of this detail, you will also be able to enjoy the appearance of the plant, so make sure that its "best side" looks towards your home.
- At this point, remove the burlap cover from the root system.
- Make the tree as straight as possible. Its location will also affect its growth in the years to come.
- Consider using a level to make sure the tree is vertical. Ask a friend or family member to check that it is straight.
- Use pegs to help him stay upright if necessary.
Step 6. Fill the hole
Use a mixture of compost and soil (which you had previously moved) to fill the hole. Make sure you have enough soil to support the roots, while still giving them enough space to develop.
- Fill the hole 3/4 full with old soil and 1/4 full with decomposed compost or manure.
- Check that there are no air bubbles around the roots. To eliminate any that form, fill the hole a little at a time and lightly compact the soil with your hands or shovel. Repeat the operation for each subsequent layer.
- When compacting the soil, remember to apply only light pressure and do not use your feet, otherwise you will crush the roots.
- If necessary, use compost or composted manure. If the soil is not rich enough in nutrients, is rather clayey or has a sandy texture, then it is worth supplementing it with manure or compost, to ensure a good start of growth for the plant.
- If the compost or manure stinks, then the composting process isn't finished yet and you shouldn't use it. Otherwise you would "burn" the roots of the tree.
- Resist the temptation to apply a commercial fertilizer. It could be a "burst of excessive energy" for the tree, which would burn instead of developing luxuriantly.
- If you have chosen a fruit or nut tree, pay special attention to it. The addition of manure or compost is essential for these species.
Step 7. Stake the plant if necessary
If it is still a sapling, use stakes to help it grow during the first year of its life. That way it won't be blown by the wind and the roots will start to stabilize.
- Check that the pegs are tied loosely around the tree trunk. Don't stick them into the bark and don't over-tighten them.
- Once the roots have reached some stability, you can remove the pegs (about a year).
- Large trees may need two or three stakes.
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of the Tree
Step 1. Water the newly planted tree
Once planted, water it following a regular schedule. In this way the roots are stabilized in the surrounding soil.
- Water the plant daily for several weeks to allow the root system to sink into the soil. After this period you can reduce the frequency.
- Water taking into account the climatic conditions of the region where you live. Evaluate the level of humidity, the frequency of rains and the number of sunny days to understand how much to water the tree.
- If it is fruit or nut trees to create a small home orchard, water every week for the entire life of the tree, since your harvest depends heavily on irrigation. You also need to apply the fertilizer every month or as directed on the product packaging.
Step 2. Use mulch
Consider adding a layer of mulch to the base of the tree, to retain moisture and prevent the development of weeds.
- Cover the hole where you inserted the tree with 2, 5-7, 5 cm of wood shavings or foliage. Sprinkle the mulch respecting at least 30 cm away from the trunk, otherwise you could cause it to rot.
- The mulch protects the tree from trampling and the lawn mower, factors that are the main causes of death of young trees.
Step 3. Prune the plant if necessary
If you notice any broken, dead or diseased branches, carefully remove them using garden shears or a sharp knife. If the tree is perfectly healthy, then there is no need to prune it until the first growing season.
Step 4. Enjoy the sight of your tree growing over the years
Appreciate the shade it provides and its beauty; thank yourself for adding another tree to the world. You will not regret this choice and, if you continue to take care of it properly, the tree will grow for a long time!
- You must ensure constant and correct irrigation if you want the tree to continue growing. You need to find a good balance between excessive or too little irrigation to allow the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots without drowning them.
- Wet the tree with a constant flow of water from the garden hose, 30 seconds should be enough. The soil should remain wet and the mulch will retain much of the moisture.
- Check the humidity of the soil by digging up to 5 cm deep. Insert your finger into the ground; if it comes out wet, then the soil is perfect and you don't have to irrigate.
Advice
- When you plant a tree that was buried in a pot, spread the roots inside the hole. If they are too tight together, make vertical incisions; don't worry too much about this, because they will grow back. It is very important that all the roots come into contact with the filling soil.
- Take into account the height and width your tree will have once it is adult. The little oak you plant today, buried a few meters from home, could turn into a danger during storms 30 years from now. Remember to bury the trees far from the house or choose specimens that do not reach a considerable size.
