1. Colorado Master Gardener Training Planting Trees

3. Roots only grow with adequate soil oxygen levels. Tap-root 3% of trees have a tap root system. Plate-root * 83% of trees have a lateral root or plate-root system with shallow, spreading roots. Heart-root 15% of trees have a heart-root system where roots grow at a variety of angles.

6. Where are tree roots?

7. Based on nursery standards, a field-grown tree’s B&B or spade-dug rootball contains only 5-15% of the fine absorbing roots.

11. Dead spruce - planted too deeply

12. Top primary root should be 1” below soil surface

13. Height of Soil on Root Ball On a tree planted too deep, wind movement rocking the tree may create a soil gap around the trunk. Note no flare. Top primary root 1” below soil surface Look for root flare

14. Planting Hole Depth To prevent sinking and tilting, the root ball sits on un-dug (firm) soil.

15. Planting Hole Depth Top of root ball: 2-3” above original soil grade original soil line new soil line Rootball sits on firm,undisturbed soil. Top spreading root 1” below soil surface

20. The Saucer-Shaped Hole If roots have difficulty penetrating compacted site soil, sloped sides allow roots to continue to grow vigorously towards the better soil near the surface rather than being trapped in the planting hole.

21. Tree Planting Tree sits on undisturbed soil. Backfill hole 2-3 times wider than root ball Top of root ball 2-3” above grade. Top primary root 1” below root ball surface.

23. Planting on Sandy Soils Plant at original soil line wood chip mulch original soil line

24. Planting in compacted clay soils Soil ball 1/3 above original soil line original soil line new soil line Cover “knees” bark/wood chip mulch

29. Planting Bare Root Trees Roots spread on mound of firm soil. Planting depth: Top primary root 1” below soil level 1-2” (level on sandy soils) original soil line Saucer-shaped planting hole 1-2 feet wider than root spread

31. Containerized planting - reduce interface problem

32. What about potbound rootballs?

33. Split-Ball technique

34. Split-Ball technique

35. Girdling roots are a common problem with container grown trees and when planting in small hole.

36. On Slopes , Plant “Out of Hill” Planted “In to Hill”

38. The Old Method of Planting The Big Pit Water runs to crown, leading to root rots As soil settles, tree sinks and tilts.

39. The Old Method of Planting Gravel Base Gravel in the hole slows drainage due to sudden changes in soil pore size. Blue lines indicate wetting pattern. Gravel

40. B&B Planting Steps

49. Watering A raised ring of soil formed around the edge of the ROOTBALL may be used for basin irrigation .

50. How often to water?

61. No “hose and wire” staking

62. Girdled by wire

66. Trees > 4” caliper may need guy lines. Try to attach at 8-10” intervals Guy lines at 45 0 angle 4” caliper -- 3’ long stake 8” caliper -- 4’ stakes Deadman at right angle to guy lines Limited movement stimulates root development.

67. Nice try!