Planting of Saplings
With proper planting, tree saplings quickly establish in their new beds. Transplant shock occurs when saplings are planted improperly or at the wrong time. The best time to plant most trees is in late winter or early spring while they are still dormant. Once the spring growth season begins the saplings have three full full seasons to establish healthy root systems before winter. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soil and Site
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Plant most trees in a well-drained areas, as soggy soil and standing water lead to root rot and tree death. Choose a site that receives the amount of light necessary for the type of tree. Keep in mind the expected mature size of the tree and plant it away from buildings, power lines and other plants that may become a problem once the tree reaches maturity. Loosen the soil in the planting area to the depth of the saplings root ball and in an area two to three times as wide as the roots. Most trees do not require any fertilization or amendments prior to planting.
Bareroot Saplings
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Bareroot saplings come with their roots wrapped in plastic or burlap. Remove the plastic before you plant but leave burlap covering in place. Set the tree inside the planting hole, ensuring the roots aren't bent. The top of the roots should sit 2 to 3 inches beneath the soil surface. Untie the burlap from around the trunk, if applicable, and spread it open inside the hole. There is no need to remove the burlap as it will break down and decompose on its own. Fill in the hole after the tree is planted.
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Container Saplings
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Lift container-grown saplings out of their pot just before you plant them. Removing them earlier may cause the roots to dry out. Water the soil in the pot until its thoroughly moist to help make removal simpler. Set the sapling in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Fill in the hole around the roots with soil.
After Care
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Newly planted saplings require regular watering to establish a healthy root system in the first year after planting. Build up a ring of soil 2 feet out from the trunk. Water the tree every seven to 10 days by filling the space inside the ring with water. The water seeps into the soil slowly, thoroughly moistening the root zone of the young sapling. A layer of mulch inside the ring also helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents grass and weeds from growing too near the new tree. Trees usually don't require fertilization the first year, but refer to instructions on the tree label or tag to ensure the proper feeding regimen for your sapling variety.
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