If you’re one of the hundreds of people who picked up a free tree during the recent May the Forest Be With You event in Joplin’s Wildcat Park, there are certain steps you can take to help it grow and thrive.
Liberty – in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation – gave away 500 young trees during the April 11 event. The species available this year were Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, White Dogwood, Pecan, and Ann Magnolia.
“The first thing you want to do is call Dig Rite (811) so that utilities can come out and mark their lines so that you can safely dig,” says Jason Grossman, Liberty’s Manager of Vegetation Management.
Where you plant the tree is also important factor. Deciduous trees like the varieties given away this year should be planted on the east or west side of your home to provide shade during the summertime and allow sunlight to warm the house in winter. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the free trees planted over the past decade have helped save homeowners more than 3.7 million kWh of electricity. You can learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s Right Tree in the Right Place program by clicking here.
“When it comes to planting, you’ll want to dig a wide hole to let the roots reach out and expand to anchor it into the ground,” says Grossman. “The trees are going to have a root flare, which is like a collar around the base. The root flare should sit slightly above grade once the tree is planted.
The planting soil in the pot can be used as filler when planting the tree, he says.
“Water it when you plant it … it’s a good technique called ‘mudding,’” Grossman says. “Add water to the soil and really push it down so it’s making contact with the roots and getting nutrients to it. Follow-up watering depends on the amount of precipitation you get. You’ll want to make sure that it gets long soaking periods instead of just watering it quick and fast. You want the water to get deep down to the roots.”
New trees should be watered routinely for the first two years after planting, and homeowners should especially keep an eye on them during dry periods. Trees planted in gravelly or sandy soils may need more frequent watering.
Click here to learn more about vegetation management resources offered by Liberty.