Introduction Of Landscaping With Trees
Trees complete the scenic garden picture. They enhance landscapes and shade courtyards. Trees yield fruits and attract birds and wildlife to the area. The planting of trees has several purposes; be it to yield fruits or provide shade or better still, to create a fresh, pollution-free atmosphere

When a tree is chosen for a garden site, certain constraints such as the size of the tree at full growth as against the space available in the garden, the soil type, the climatic zone, etc. need to be kept in mind. Presence of power lines and underground utilities must also be taken care of while planting a tree. The choice of a tree also depends on the effect the tree has on the landscape, the color of its leaves, the extent of its spread, its branching habits, its hardiness or ability to adapt to the climatic conditions of the place, etc.

Selection of Trees
Within the constraints mentioned above trees may be selected based on size, fall colors, fruit, etc. Some small-sized trees that bear attractive flowers are the flowering Cherry & Plum, Eastern Redbud, Chinese Dogwood etc. Washington Hawthorn, Chinese Dogwood, Nannyberry etc. have attractive fall foliage and also attract bird life. Hedge Maple, Lacebark Elm etc. are medium-sized trees while Hybrid Elms, Oaks, Cypresses etc. are large trees.

Selection of seedlings
The seedlings that are commonly available may be either of the following:
1) Bare-root
2) Balled and burlapped or
3) Container-grown

1) Bare-root
Bare-root plants are small seedlings and need immediate planting in soil after purchase. If a plant cannot be transferred to the soil immediately it may be planted in organic matter such as wood flakes or other decomposed organic material. They should be regularly watered. The best time to transplant bare root seedlings is from October to November and from March to mid-May.
2) Balled and burlapped

Balled and burlapped seedlings are usually at a later stage of growth than bare-root plants and come with their roots covered in a ball of soil. The balled and burlapped trees should not be carried by the stem, but should be supported below the heavy ball of soil to prevent any harm to the roots. They must be planted with the ball intact and burlap and wires loosened. They take less time to establish themselves than the bare-root plants.

3) Container-grown

Container-grown trees can be maintained in containers until it is convenient to transplant them. They should be sheltered from too much sun and frost and also watered regularly. Container-grown seedlings should be transplanted while the climate is warm so the trees have enough time to establish themselves before winter. Almost 50% of their root system may be pruned prior to planting.

Planting Trees
The location for planting trees must be selected carefully considering the community rules, space available, size of the mature tree, as well as its adaptability to environmental conditions. The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the root-ball or root spread. After placing the tree within the hole, the hole should be filled with soil mixed with about 1/3rd quantity of compost or other organic material. Water the newly planted seedling carefully to ensure that the soil is settled and holds the plant firmly in place. Water logging should be avoided. The tree may be pruned slightly to remove damaged branches etc.

Post planting care includes staking the tree when necessary, wrapping the trunk with biodegradable material to prevent insect damage, watering at regular intervals and maintaining the nutrients and pH balance of the soil. A newly planted tree takes a minimum of 2-3 years to get established.

Care of Established Trees
Proper care enhances the life of the tree as well as its appearance. The primary needs of an established tree are adequate nutrients, a pH balance of 6-6.5, and regular moisture. Soil compaction around the roots must be controlled through vertical mulching, i.e. drilling holes in the ground around the roots without damaging them, and filling them up with mulch that encourages aeration. Pruning is very important in determining the life of a tree. Diseased, damaged, and weak branches should be instantly removed. Densely growing branches may be thinned by cutting off a few. Trees should be inspected regularly to ensure that no damage is caused by branches that are on the verge of breaking off.

Problems Caused by Inappropriate Planting of Trees
The roots of trees can clog sewage and drainage systems or damage underground utilities. The roots and trunk of a tree planted in too narrow a gap can loosen pavements. They can block street lighting or visibility on driveways if planted at inappropriate locations. In short, trees can be a hindrance or an advantage depending on the manner in which they are planted.

These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory