The Basics of Planting Garden Trees
Cherry Tree Blossoms
Trees are the focal points of gardens. There’s a lot of info here about trees, but here is a quickie guide to the basics. Make sure you have a tree that will suit the garden. Consider the shape, the blossoms (or even if you want blossoms) and the color of the leaves in fall. And don’t ever forget about the size. There must be enough roon for the tree to grow. It of course can be pruned, but even then the growth patterns should be something you are aware of. Before you buy any tree, check to see what height it grows to. Figure that you can keep the tree to 50% of this height by pruning. Also remember that it will take many years for a tree to reach near its full height. If you don’t plan on being in the same place for more than 10 years, then this is less of a problem.
Now, to put it in the ground. Though trees grown in containers can be planted almost anytime, early spring and late autumn are preferable. Prepare a large area around where you will plant the tree, don’t just dig a hole. Turn up the ground as much as possible around the tree area, and dig a hole in the middle. You will want to plant the tree at the very same level in the ground as it was at the nursery. After you have dug the hole, sprinkle fertilizer in the bottom (bonemeal in winter, and organic fertilizer in spring/summer).
Plant the tree in the hole, and fill the area around it with soil. Be sure that the soil is well settled. You can do this by jiggling the tree a bit, and finally stamping on the soil to push it flat. Place mulch around the tree to help retain water and to discourage weeds. Make sure that the tree is well watered throughout the first growing season. If you expect the tree to be exposed to strong winds or other disturbances, you may wish to add a stake to support the tree until it’s stronger.
That’s all!
For smaller gardens, there are a couple lovely Japanese trees that will bring color and beauty almost year-round. I am speaking of Japanese maple trees and Japanese cherry trees. The maple leaves are delicate to look at, and their colors range from green to red even through the summer, finally becoming eye-catching autumn colors before falling.
Cherry trees provide stunning white blossoms in the spring. And, if you choose the right variety, edible cherries later on. There is nothing quite so pleasant as to sit under a cherry tree in full bloom, with the petals falling like snowflakes at each gust of wind.
You are not limited at all here. Ash trees and apple trees have their own unique charms. Take your time, and consider the colors of the trees for each season. The right tree will be like an old friend in the garden.
