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Show The (Browing Season by Maria IMofh and Pace Erirkson How to choose a tree that suits your needs Choosing the right tree for your yard is not an easy task and its many purposes should be thought out before you start planting. For example, start by choosing the proper location for the tree then consider its purpose. Do you want the tree to serve as a windblock, or to shade your home or patio? Consider if the tree is going to block your view. Once you have decided upon the site and purpose consider the tree. A list of trees will be available behind the desk at the library, describing large to medium trees and shrubs as well as vines and ground covers. When you buy your trees from a nursery they will be sold balled and" burlapped, bare-root, or in containers. When you plant balled and burlapped burlap-ped trees the hole should be twice the width of the root ball and at least half as deep as the height of the root ball. Mix the existing soil with soil amendments and build a mound at the bottom of the hole. Place the root ball on top of the mound, just so the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Before you fill in the hole, position your plant to find the best side. Loosen the burlap at the bottom and the sides of the root ball and try not to disturb the soil too much. Then fill the hole half way with the existing soil and soil amendments, loosen the burlap and cut all the ropes around the trunk and burlap. Now fill the hole in with the rest of your soil. . In planting a bare-root tree, dig the hole IV2 to two times the size of the root system, large enough to accommodate all the roots, so you won't have to cut or bend any of them. Drive a stake into the center of the hole, fill dirt in and around the bottom of the hole about 4 to 6 inches thick and place the bare-root plant next to the stake so you'll be able to train the trunk of the tree. Fill the hole in with the existing soil, making sure that you plant the tree so the old soil line on the trunk is lined up with your soil line. Tie the tree to the stake in three different places, making sure the trunk is straight and will continue to grow straight. In planting from containers, dig the holes twice the size of the containers, very similar to planting balled and burlapped plants. But by planting from a container, you get a look at the outside of the root system. If the roots are crowded and coiled, loosen them so they have a chance to straighten out. Fill in with the existing soil and soil additives. When you are finished filling in the holes, build a water reservoir around the tree and water in thoroughly. The first watering is the most important watering. The roots will gradually seek the other available water, but during the first month you should water daily and then start cutting back. Be aware that overwatering will kill the tree quicker than underwatering |