How to Plant a Cork Tree
The Phellodendron amurense, otherwise known as the Amur corktree, is an ornamental perennial tree that bears glossy, dark green leaves. In autumn, foliage turns yellow and the tree produces blue-black berries. Amur corktree grows well in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, and is hardy to USDA Zones four to seven. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel. This will make it easier for the roots to access the surrounding soil.
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Lay the Amur Corktree on its side with the container end near the hole that you dug. Tap the bottom and sides of the container until the root ball is loosened. Slide the pot off the root ball and gently straighten the roots so that they spread outward from the tree trunk. Slowly lower the tree into the hole.
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Tilt the root ball until the tree is straight. Lift the tree from the base of the root ball instead of the trunk while turning it. Fill the hole with dirt under and around the root ball, leaving the top of the root ball about 1/2 to 1 inch above the soil surface. Be sure to pack down the fill soil every few shovels in order to help stabilize the tree.
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Water your Amur corktree thoroughly after planting in order to saturate the root ball. Cover the area with mulch, keeping it two inches from the trunk.
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If the tree trunk requires support, stake it outside of the root ball so that it stands upright. Use flexible tree ties, but do not use wire as it cuts into the tree. Remove the stakes when the tree can support itself.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant only male trees such as 'Macho': male cultivar or Shademaster:R: male cultivar to prevent invasion.
The Amur corktree is practically pest-free.
Native to Eastern Asia, Amur corktree is considered invasive in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Massachusetts.
