Brookhaven arborist encourages residents to branch out with tree plantings this autumn
Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 28, 2021 - As the fall season is officially underway, it is getting to be a good time to think about planting trees. Brookhaven arborist Jeff Dadisman says that the season is prime time for planting, allowing trees to get a toehold on its root system before the cold of winter sets in.
“Fall and winter tree planting is best. The typical recommended planting window for the Atlanta area is mid-October through mid-March,” said Dadisman. “This helps minimize transplant stress and allows the plant to initialize new growth exclusively in the root system in its new location.”
“It is important to note that unfortunately, the ‘professional’ landscaping industry is fraught with bad practices and misinformation. If you are having contractors perform tree and shrub planting in your yard, do not hesitate to take measures to ensure your trees and shrubs are being planted correctly. It’s your money and investment, and you have the right to make sure it’s being done right,” added Dadisman.
Dadisman offers these helpful tips when adding a tree to a residential landscape:
1. Location, location, location – Research the tree’s needs for sunlight and soil drainage. Also, select a spot which makes sense as the tree matures. Large tree species should be planted at least ten feet away from permanent structures and at least five feet away from impervious surfaces such as concrete.
2. Check the soil –If you are in a recently constructed home, often the topsoil is gone and you are planting in clay subsoil. Native tree species and many introduced tree species such as Deodar Cedar are well-adapted to the native clay but introducing a small percentage of organic matter such as compost, high-quality native topsoil, and/or biochar is beneficial for establishment and long-term health. Amend the backfill soil to approximately 5 to 10% organic matter.
3. Dig a proper hole –Planting a tree incorrectly can result in an array of establishment and long-term problems for a tree. The hole should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball. Dig a depth where the top of the root ball will be 2 to 3 inches above grade. Containerized (in pots) root balls tend to be dense and 2 inches above grade will likely be the right depth. Balled and burlapped (B&B) root balls may be less stable and will likely do better at 2 to 3 inches above grade to account for settling. Never plant a tree or shrub below the existing grade. Also scarify the edges of your planting hole to reduce the ‘glazing’ of the clay surface.
4. Prepare the roots – Avoid purchasing trees or shrubs that are terribly pot-bound or have girdling roots that are already constricting the trunk or root collar of the plant. When planting, lightly agitate and redirect outwards the outer edge of the root ball, especially for roots that are showing spiraling directional growth. Containerized trees and shrubs tend to require this more than B&B trees and shrubs. If you are ambitious enough to be planting a B&B tree in your yard (larger, more difficult to handle without equipment), the City specifications are to remove the top half of the B&B apparatus, which includes the wire basket, burlap, and all ties, which are typically string or webbing. *You will need bolt-cutters/metal snips to cut the wire basket.
5. Backfill with care - Work the soil up against the roots, making sure to eliminate any air cavities near the roots. Compress the soil gently and form a smooth transition from the outer part of the root flare down to the edge of the planting hole which should meet the existing grade. Don’t use soil saucers or rings. Despite what you may see landscapers doing, do not create any type of contour that puts the tree and its root ball into a pit or depression. Emerging research in arboriculture shows that this has many of the same adverse physiological effects as planting a tree too low.
6. Mulch – Mulch is always a good idea, as it captures moisture and protects the new roots. The mulch will insulate the roots and provide decomposing organic matter over time. About 3 inches of undyed natural wood mulch or pine bark fines over the planting area is best, making sure to taper down to the outside of the root flare. Never allow the mulch to make contact with the trunk. Pine straw is suitable too, but it decomposes quickly and typically requires more reinstallation.
7. Pour on the water – Give the planting area a good soaking. Slowly soak the root ball and backfill soil. I’m an advocate of using a chlorine filter for municipal water to avoid collateral damages to beneficial soil and root-dwelling organisms. Be sure to avoid over-watering. With the exception of several native swamp and wetland species, most of our native and introduced urban tree species are not tolerant of prolonged saturation.
“The City of Brookhaven’s own newly adopted tree ordinance spells out some pretty solid reasons to plant a tree in your yard or take good care of the ones you have.” says Dadisman. “Trees contribute to quality of life by producing oxygen, sequestering carbon, filtering pollutants from the air, cooling the environment through transpiration and the casting of shade, reducing stormwater runoff, filtering storm water and ground water, holding and building soil, reducing urban noise and glare, privacy screening, and providing habitat and food to other organisms. Trees also increase property values and are a vital component of the visual quality of the city.”
For more information regarding tree planting, including approved and recommended tree lists and illustrative details for planting specifications and yard locations, please check out the City of Brookhaven Arborist Standards Document, available on the Brookhaven Tree Canopy Preservation page at:
https://www.brookhavenga.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/communi...
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