Park Services
Tips from the Forester - by Mike Stelter
Tree Planting 101
Planting a tree is a simple act that anyone can perform to help improve the environment. Assuming you have already selected your tree based on site and species requirements, the following are step by step instructions that will help improve your chances of success:
After your tree has been moved adjacent to the planting site, determine the size of the planting hole. In most cases, the hole should be about a foot wider than the ball, and no deeper than the height of the root ball. Digging the planting hole wider gives the tree’s roots loose, friable soil to grow into and become established. Not digging the planting hole deeper than the height of the root ball guarantees that you will not plant the tree too deep.
At this point, with the tree standing up, it is time to determine where the root flare is in the root ball. The root flare is the point on the tree, at soil level, where the first structural roots leave the trunk .
If the root flare is visible, measure from the flare to the bottom of the root ball to determine the depth of the planting hole. If not, some additional investigation will need to be done. I would suggest removing a small section of the burlap from the top of the root ball, then shaving down the soil carefully with a shovel or trowel, to find the root flare. When found, that will be the point to use to measure the depth of the planting hole. Quite often, the root flare will be 2 to 3 inches below the top of the tree’s root ball, due to cultivation and weed control practices in the nursery.
With your tree adjacent to the hole, lay the tree down to remove the twine and tags from the top of the tree. It is much easier at this point, with this material close to the ground, rather than after the tree has been stood up in the hole, with the twine and tags now 10 to 12 feet off the ground.
Now , with the hole dug to the proper depth, it is time to roll the tree into the hole carefully, so as to not damage the tree or injure the tree planter. Root balls can weigh up to 400 pounds or more, so care should be taken to minimize the force of the tree going into the hole. Usually, rolling the root ball to the edge of the hole, then allowing the ball to slide slowly into the hole, using the stem to lightly control the drop into the hole, is the best way to lower the root ball into the hole. Note – all this work is done with the twine, burlap and wire cage still attached to the root ball.
Once the tree is centered in the planting hole, make sure the tree is straight, making minor adjustments using soil from the hole and moving the root ball using the sides of the ball, or lightly using the stem. Shovel soil back into the bottom 1/3 of the planting hole, and tamp in, to make sure that the tree is firmly in place and will not move. Now is the time to remove the twine on the ball, the burlap from the top half of the ball and the top half of the wire cage.
Continue to backfill the hole with soil, making sure the large clumps are broken up, and the hole is filled even with the existing grade. Care should be taken to not fill over the top of the root ball, and to not damage the trunk of the tree with a shove while backfilling. A raised lip around the edge of planting hole can be left to help left to help hold water during the first growing season.
Finish the planting by putting down 2 to 4 inches of mulch over the planting site, taking care not to pile mulch against the trunk of the tree. Mulch helps in 3 ways – it helps conserve moisture, it moderates soil temperature - keeping the soil cooler than the surrounding soil, and it keeps the lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the trunk of the tree.
The initial watering should saturate the soil (about 25 gallons of water), and subsequent watering should be based on the amount of rain received. A new tree will require about an inch of rain per week throughout the first couple of growing seasons. If dry periods occur, help your new tree survive by keeping it hydrated.
A well executed tree planting will help add interest and beauty to your landscape for years to come. It may take a little extra time and effort, but it is well worth it.
Photo sources for this article are:www.rainbowtreecare.com, and www.tlcfortrees.info.
Vandalism Tipster Award Program
PREVENT SENSELESS DAMAGE.
In an effort to reduce and eliminate senseless damage caused by vandalism, the Downers Grove Park District encourages you to report any information you have about individuals causing damage to District property.
$ REWARD $
If the information you provide leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or conspirator, you may be eligible for a reward of $5,000 for vandalism in excess of $2,500.
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION
All communications between the Vandalism Tipster and the Downers Grove Park District are strictly confidential. Call (630) 963-1304.
Aerosling Swings
Portable swings for children with disabilities are available to residents on a weekly sign-out basis at Lincoln Center, McCollum Park Concession and the SEASPAR office. Aerosling swings can be locked onto existing swing sets and are accessible from a wheelchair. The swings can also accept a feeder seat and offer several seating positions to accommodate various needs. For more information call (630) 963-1300.
Thank You for Not Feeding the Waterfowl
While we encourage you to enjoy our park wildlife, we also ask that you let them find their own food sources. Because food supplied by people is easy for birds to obtain, ducks and geese lose their natural migratory instincts. This eventually leads to overpopulation and makes these creatures more susceptible to disease and predators.
Watercraft on Barth Pond
Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Barth Pond at Patriots Park, 55th Street and Grand Avenue. Please follow all posted boating rules.
