Selecting the right tree at the nursery is crucial for its long-term health, robust growth, and compatibility with your landscape. A healthy tree should feature a straight trunk, evenly spaced branches, and vibrant, undamaged leaves. When examining the roots, look for any that are circling the container, as this can lead to girdling roots, which may ultimately result in the tree’s death within a short period. 

It's crucial to consider the tree's mature size, growth habits, and specific environmental needs, such as sunlight, soil type, and water requirements, to guarantee it thrives in your space and climate. By choosing a tree well-suited to local conditions and free from pests or diseases, you significantly increase its chances of flourishing and becoming a valuable asset to your garden or property and reducing your overall maintenance significantly in the future. Spend some time now and save later!

Hiring Green Tree’s knowledgeable arborists to select and plant your trees is a wise investment that will quickly pay off. We can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance and increase your property value. 

When planting a tree, whether from a seed or a young sapling, proper site preparation is absolutely critical. Just as a sturdy house relies on a solid foundation, trees depend on the right environment to thrive. If the soil hinders root development or if roots suffer damage during planting, the tree is bound to face significant challenges.

Let’s be clear: it’s crucial to avoid putting a $50 tree in a $5 hole. Many people invest in high-quality trees but fail to give the planting process the attention it deserves. This often results in poor growth and structural issues that could have been easily avoided.

Putting in the necessary time, effort, and resources to create an ideal environment for root growth is an absolute necessity. This is especially important in urban areas where soil conditions may be compromised. By prioritizing proper site preparation, you ensure that your tree will flourish and contribute positively to our urban landscape. Confidently investing in the right planting practices will pay off in the long run, resulting in healthier trees and a more vibrant environment.

Water is essential for the growth and initial survival of newly planted trees, and it is vital to recognize that various species have different levels of susceptibility to moisture stress at different stages of their development. For example, fruit-bearing trees are particularly vulnerable during the flowering and fruit-setting phases. Irrigation is an important practice that ensures trees receive the necessary water at the right time. It should be implemented when soil moisture drops to a specific minimum level. Several effective instruments are available to measure soil moisture content accurately, allowing for timely irrigation once a predetermined moisture threshold is met.

Climatic conditions have a significant impact on water usage. Low relative humidity, high temperatures, and strong wind speeds can lead to increased soil surface evaporation and higher plant tissue transpiration rates. Consequently, this causes a greater loss of water from both the soil and the foliage.

IMPORTANT NOTE 1: Drip irrigation is often ineffective for mature trees because it delivers small, precise amounts of water to a limited area around the base of the plants. Mature trees boast extensive root systems that spread far beyond the trunk, with most of the vital water-absorbing roots located at the drip line, the outer edge of the tree's canopy. Drip irrigation systems do not provide the coverage or volume required to reach deeply into the soil across this broad root zone, leading to inadequate hydration. As a result, trees face water stress, reduced growth, and heightened vulnerability to disease, especially in hot or dry climates. Recognizing these limitations and adopting more effective watering strategies for mature trees is essential.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2:    In arid climates lacking consistent rain, using landscape fabric and rock over a tree's root zones can severely harm tree health. The combination creates an impermeable barrier that restricts water infiltration and gas exchange, which is essential for root respiration. Additionally, the fabric often traps heat, while the rocks amplify it by absorbing and radiating intense sunlight. This creates a hostile microenvironment that dehydrates the soil and roots, exacerbating water stress. Over time, this setup can lead to shallow root growth, reduced nutrient uptake, and declining tree vigour, ultimately shortening the tree's lifespan. Such practices counteract natural processes, leaving trees vulnerable in already challenging conditions. Please reconsider rocks and landscape fabric and instead apply 3-4 inches of organic mulch over the root zones. 

Bulk density, porosity and permeability are related physical characteristics of soil that can be modified with some success. It is common practice to add soil amendments when planting trees and shrubs. Amendments are added to improve the soil's physical and chemical characteristics. Peat moss is commonly used to reduce bulk density and increase porosity and moisture-holding capacity. Compost will additionally increase the fertility of the soil. However, these materials do not last long in the soil, and more must be added every year or two to maintain the desired characteristics. Another significant benefit of adding compost is the addition of an organic source of carbon. This will enhance microbial processes essential to the soil's overall health.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Amending the soil excessively can create a dramatic contrast between the planting hole and the surrounding native soil, leading to issues like poor root growth, waterlogging, or drought stress as roots struggle to expand beyond the enriched area. Trees planted in their native soil establish deeper, more extensive root systems, making them more resilient to environmental stressors such as drought, wind, and temperature fluctuations. By preserving the natural soil structure and composition, you ensure better drainage, aeration, and compatibility with local microorganisms, fostering a balanced ecosystem that supports the tree’s growth and health over time.

Ensuring you plant the right tree in the right place prevents you from making costly mistakes with unsuitable trees in poor soil. Plant the right tree, and you won't have to worry about the soil.

Working with the existing soil is often more sustainable and practical than trying to change its pH. Soil chemistry is naturally balanced with the local ecosystem, and altering the pH requires ongoing maintenance. Amendments like lime or sulphur degrade over time, causing the soil to revert to its original state. Additionally, drastic changes in pH can disrupt soil microbiota and nutrient cycles, which may harm plants. By choosing trees that are suited to the current pH, arborists can create healthier and more resilient landscapes that thrive with less effort and intervention. This approach conserves resources and preserves the soil's natural integrity. 

Soil texture is not easily modified. Generally, it is best to work with what you have and select plants well-suited to the soil type. Otherwise, your best option is to completely replace the soil. This is a very expensive option and can still lead to water movement and root development problems where the old and new soil meet. In short, trying to change the soil texture is generally not practical.