Considering planting a tree, but not sure where to start? The Arbor Day Foundation offers video instructions on seedling care. You can also find information on how to care for your newly-planted tree online. For starters, plant your seedling in early spring. This way, it will be most likely to survive the cold winter months and grow to a healthy, tall tree. Then, keep a close eye on it.
If you want to grow a tree from seed, find a healthy parent tree. Some trees produce lumber or medicine, while others may grow for decoration. To get a seedling, you will need a few healthy parent trees, or you can visit an extension agent. If you live in an area where there are no nurseries, you can also find seedlings at local nurseries. The first step in planting a seedling is to protect it from insects and other animals.
When planting a tree, consider the soil. Many species of trees require the soil to hold moisture and nutrients. Some species are better suited to moist soils, such as pecans, while others do best in drier soils. Most trees tolerate a wide range of soils and conditions. If you’re planting a tree from seed, consider the type of soil it needs. The type of soil you select will determine its growth rate and overall health.
Carefully plant your new tree. Ensure that the hole is deep enough to prevent root curling. Don’t plant seedlings in the shallowest soil, as this will result in deformed roots. You don’t want to ruin your new tree by planting it in an incorrect location. If you’re planning to plant the tree in a sunny location, it’s best to plant your seedling in the morning or late afternoon so that it gets enough sunlight to grow healthy roots.
If you’re planning to plant a tree from seed, you can buy a sapling, or a tree with a small root ball, but you’ll have to wait until it grows a few inches to reach its maximum height. A sapling is the smallest stage of a tree’s life cycle, and generally lasts from three to fifteen years. When the sapling reaches this height, it’s referred to as a “sample” until its stem diameter reaches seven centimeters.
Trees don’t need a lot of water, but they do need a lot of moisture. Too much water can encourage shallow roots that can’t withstand drought or strong winds. If you want to maximize your tree’s survival, deep-watering is a good idea every seven to ten days. By watering every seven to 10 days, your tree will grow deeper roots and find more water as it grows.
Weed control is critical for the first three to four growing seasons. A three to four-foot-square weed-free zone around your seedling will greatly increase the likelihood of survival. Moreover, you should maintain a weed-free zone surrounding the seedling for the same size circle. To do this, use a weed-barrier fabric, mulch, or mechanical tilling equipment. A backpack sprayer can also be used for chemical weed control. In addition, large planting sites require the use of a disk or tractor-mounted cultivator. However, cultivators may damage the roots of the tree, so the herbicide application should be done with caution.