ARBORICULTURE

PROTECTION

 

            Importance of Roots

 

            Actual Root Spread

                        root radius (Gilman) = 2-4 X canopy radius

root area (Perry) = 4-7 X canopy area

 

            Root Protection or Critical Root Zone Formulas

                        e.g.            NADF, ISA  - RPZ radius = 1 foot per 1 inch tree diameter @ DBH

                                    USNA  - RPZ radius = 1 foot per 1 inch tree circumference @ DBH

 

PLAN

 

            Specific – choose a plant which corresponds to your landscape need

                        e.g.  shade or ornamental, screen or open

 

            Site – match the biological needs of the plant with physical characteristics of site

                        e.g.  acidic plants on alkaline soil, hydric on xeric sites

 

            Space – ensure that enough space exists for future growth and vigor

                        e.g.  palms under power lines, parking lot islands

 

PLANT

 

            WHEN - November 15^th to March 15^th

 

            WIIIIDE planting hole or area  &  NOOOO deeper than ball depth!

 

            SOIL AMENDMENTS – only when necessary

 

            FERTILIZER – 8-12 oz. of a SLOW release formulation

 

            DO NOT tamp in with feet – Use water only

 

            MULCH – minimum of 6 feet diameter and 3 inches deep, use lifesaver approach

 

              STAKING - only when necessary & guy lines MAY NOT be higher than 1/2 of tree ht.

 

 

PROVIDE

 

            Water

Water your tree THOROUGHLY during DRY periods.  Water is essential to tree survival and growth.

·                    For a newly planted tree (i.e., 1-2 yrs): depending on season and weather conditions, water twice a week with 2 gallons/inch caliper over entire root zone.

·                    For an established tree: water every 2 to 4 weeks with 1/2 to 1 inch over entire root zone.

                        Do not water indiscriminately!  Always check soil before watering.

 

            Mulch

                        Mulch with woodchips or bark whenever and wherever possible

                                     Mulch reduces:                        Mulch increases:

                                                a) water loss                                     a) organic matter

                                                b) grass competition                       b) soil structure (tilth)

                                                c) soil temperature                      c) water retention

Mulch should extend to cover the entire root zone (see PROTECTION).     

 

            Fertilizer

                        Why?   Source of nutrients removed

                        What?  3-1-1 ratio; 3 lbs. N per 1000 sq.ft. of root zone

                        How?   Liquid organic soil injections are best; topical applications are sufficient.

                        When?  Research varies.  Fall probably best.

                        How often?  As needed or every 3^rd year

 

            IN SUMMARY, PROTECT AND ENHANCE ROOTS!

                       

                       

PRUNE

 

Prune according to THE TEN PRUNING COMMANDMENTS.  Remember that they apply not only to the entire tree but to individual branches as well.

 

            Young tree pruning - Structure!

 

            Mature tree pruning - Little foliage as possible

 

 

PESTS

 

            Healthy plants survive pest infestations without significant harm!