How to Grow Sourwood Trees

Sourwood trees are quite popular as landscaping ornamentals or shade trees, prized for their lovely summer blooms, attractive rich green foliage and remarkably brilliant fall colors in shades of orange and red. Extremely hardy once they are established, Sourwood trees are easy to grow and care for in a variety of conditions, standing up well against the wind and weather. Members of the heath family, Sourwood trees produce delicate and fragrant bell shaped flowers that are quite attractive to honeybees. Bee keepers often set up hives near Sourwood trees to ensure that their honey is flavored by the unique nectar of these blossoms.

Instructions

1. Choosing a suitable location for your Sourwood trees is the first step. Choose carefully, as these trees will not respond well to transplantation once their roots are established. Sourwood trees prefer full sun for the quickest growth, but will do well in partial shade. Soil should be light and well drained to provide the ideal growing conditions for your Sourwood trees, but they can adapt to a variety of soil types so long as it is not wet enough to promote root rot. Keep in mind when choosing an area to plant your Sourwoods that while the average height of these trees is about twenty feet, they can grow as tall as thirty.

2. Loosening the soil where your young Sourwood trees are to be planted is the next step. Tree roots need plenty of room to expand outwards, enabling them to develop a strong support system that is capable of anchoring the trunk and canopy against strong winds. Dig your planting hole for each seedling quite large, approximately three times the width of the rootball and twice the depth.

3. Remove any packaging materials from the rootball, whether it is a container, burlap wrapping, or wire root cage. Take care to handle the roots gently to prevent damage. Once the rootball is exposed, set the tree into its planting hole and straighten, stepping back to take a look at a distance. When the tree is standing straight and tall, it is time to begin backfilling the planting hole.

4. Mix some peat moss or compost into the soil that is to be used, then place about half of it back into your planting hole. Be sure to remove any air pockets around the roots, either by gently tamping soil between the roots or by filling the hole with water to cause the soil to settle in. Then, finish refilling the hole until its surface is level with its surroundings and water your new Sourwood tree deeply.

5. Newly planted trees will require a bit of attention to ensure a healthy start. Adding a bit of support at planting, such as a tube or stake, can help keep your tree standing tall until its roots get a chance to spread. Keep young trees moist during the first few years of growth, helping them along until they are large enough to fend for themselves. A thick layer of mulch to discourage the growth of competing plants is a good idea, and will also help retain moisture in the root area.