Tree Planting & Architect Info

• The tree should have a balanced shape.
• Balled and burlapped trees are bought during the dormant season, so have no leaves.
• For containerized trees, make sure there are no bare spots in the foliage, missing or damaged limbs, or discolored or spotted leaves, unless it's the end of the summer season.
• The tree should have a single strong "central leader"
• Check the size of the crown and rootball in relation to the caliper size of the tree.

CROWN

• Make sure the branches come off the leader trunk at between 45-degree and 90-degree angle. -The more the angle (the more parallel to the ground), the better.
• Wounds from pruned branches should be calloused over, or well on their way.
• Branches should be distributed evenly through out the tree. This is called good scaffolding.
• There should not be any "clusters" of branches. Branches should be about one-quarter of the height of the tree. Too long limbs place undue burden on the tree.

TRUNK

• The trunk should be straight.
• Look for insect damage such as bore holes.
• The trunk should be free of discolored, swollen, or sunken areas.
• No wound should be longer than one-quarter of the trunk's circumference.

BALLED AND BURLAP TREES

• The trunk should not move independently of the rootball.
• The burlap should be tightly wrapped.
• The trunk should be in the center of the rootball.
• Tree roots are pruned and cut before they are wrapped.
• Avoid trees with cut root tips wider than an average finger.
• The more fibrous or "hairy" roots you have, the better.
• It is stressful for any tree to be replanted, and more intact roots give the tree a better chance to survive.

CONTAINERIZED TREES

Potbound roots are in danger of "girdling" - encircling the inside of the pot. This occurs when the tree has outgrown its container; girdled roots strangle the tree and do not provide an adequate support system when the tree is planted.

• Avoid trees that have large roots coming out of the water holes or with roots circling on the surface of the soil.

After you buy your tree, keep it out of direct sunlight and keep the burlap moist. Try to have your planting site ready before you bring your tree home.

Caliper size refers to the diameter of a tree's trunk six inches above the ground or the base of the tree where the roots connect. It is an important part of selecting a tree because it will help you ensure that you are getting the proper dimensions for both the height of the tree and size of the rootball. Ideally, the bigger the rootball, the better.

Applications & Documents