Shade Trees
The most dominant feature of your home landscape will be the shade trees you choose to plant. Trees can be planted for shade, to screen or block a view, as an accent or focal point, to reduce cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter, and as a backdrop for other plantings. They may be chosen for their flower, fall color, leaf texture, as well as their size and shape. A tree also adds significantly to your home's property value.
Because of the longevity and ultimate size of a tree, it is imperative to carefully choose one that will fit the size limitations of the location you have selected. It is essential to also consider whether the sit drains well or if it is where water accumulates. Be sure to plant far enough away from objects to prevent future problems. Meadows Farms has a descriptive sign in front of each tree in our nursery to help you in choosing the perfect tree for the perfect site.
Note: If your yard has a "wet" spot, remember that tree roots need oxygen to survive. Water saturated soil is low in oxygen and only a few trees can grow there. See our information on Plants for Wet and Dry Areas.
How To Plant A Tree
Dig the hole large enough to place 8-10" of soil beneath and on all sides of the rootball.
Mix 50% existing soil with 50% of MEADOWS FARMS PLANTING MIX.
Add enough of the soil mix to the hole so the rootballcan be 1/4 higher than the ground level.
Remove any plastic container from the rootball. If your tree is balled in burlap, set the tree on the soil mix base and cut the burlap loose from the rootball. The burlap can remain in the hole. Finish adding the soil mix to make a mound around the tree.
Soak the tree and add more soil if necessary.
Mulch to a 3' depth with MEADOWS FARMS MULCH.
Stake tree.
Water with Plant Starter to help prevent transplant shock and to stimulate new root development.
Planting: In the Washington Metropolitan area, we are blessed with favorable conditions for almost year-round planting. While spring is a great time to plant, Autumn, with its sunny days andcooler temperatures, is also an excellent season for planting here. Summer is also planting time here if you remember to water!
Upkeep: Continue to water your tree 2-3 times per week. water whwnever the soil feels dry 1" deep. Continue this for the entire first year. Supplemental watering may be necessary during dry periods for the next couple of years.
Fertilizing should be done each spring. Apply a general purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer or tree fertilizer according to product label. Never apply more fertilizer than is recommended. In our area, it is possible to fertilize trees in the fall after they have dropped their leaves. The roots can absorb the food and store it for use on the first warm day of spring.
Insect and Disease rarely bother a healthy, happy tree. A dormant oil spray may be applied in February to cover and smother any insect eggs that may be over-wintering on your tree. Dormant oils controls aphids, scale, mites and many caterpillars but do not harm birds or animals.
Pruning should not be necessary at planting time, although the cosmetic cut of a branch may be needed on rare occasions. Trees should be checked yearly in late winter for the removal of nay narrow "v" crotches, competing leaders, suckers, or any dead or damaged branches. Late winter is the best time of the year to prune most trees.
Trees such as Maples, Birch, and Beech tend to "bleed" when pruned in late winter. This is actually harmless. Pruning can otherwise be performed on these trees in the early fall.
Spring blooming trees such as Magnolias, Dogwood, Crabapple, etc., should not be pruned until just after they've finished blooming to prevent the loss of flowers and flower buds.
Rate of Growth: If you plant a 6 foot tree, you can expect it to be the height listed below in ten years.
Beech 15'
Birch 15'
Ginko 15'
Sweet Gum 25'
Silver Maple 25'
Honey Locust 25'
Sugar Maple 20'
Flowering Cherry 15'
Dogwood 15'
Pin Oak 25'
Bradford Pear 20'
Plum 15'
Crabapple 12'
Kousa Dogwood 12'