09/10/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2024 06:49
Once you understand the why, where, and when of planting trees, it's time to explore the what and the how. Let's start with tree selection.
Beyond choosing a tree that your space can comfortably accommodate at maturity and positioning it to take advantage of energy savings, there are additional factors that perhaps you haven't considered. For example, is the tree you selected suitable for your hardiness zone?
In short, hardiness zones represent the average annual extreme minimum temperature for a given area. Most Unitil customers live in Zone 5 or Zone 6, but there are subcategories based on your exact location. Your local nursery will likely carry only plants that are hardy in your zone, but it doesn't hurt to double check - particularly if you're ordering a tree online.
Be sure to consider debris as well, such as leaves, nuts, seed pods, etc. That flowering crabapple you have your eye on will be gorgeous in May, but come July, you may find yourself dodging falling fruit. Though hardy in Zones 4 through 8, crabapples are more susceptible to pests and disease than other ornamentals. Similarly, an oak tree planted near a driveway or sidewalk can present a hazard to pedestrians when the acorns start dropping. For more help selecting the appropriate tree for your space, check out the interactive Tree Wizard on the Arbor Day Foundation website.
Although there may be additional considerations for particular species or planting sites, here are the basic steps for planting a tree. Your local nursery or cooperative extension would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Did You Know? Planting too deep is the number-one reason trees and shrubs die.