Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, March 31, 1993
Larry A. Sagers is a horticulturist with the Utah State University Extension Service.
Sorting through the information and misinformation about planting trees and shrubs is a real challenge. Woody plants no longer propagate naturally in our landscape but are transplanted from nurseries throughout the country. The scenario of acorns falling on rich, moist soil, then growing into mighty oaks doesn't occur in the urban landscape.
Trees and shrubs are available in three different forms. Bare-root trees are dug without soil; balled and burlaped trees are dug with the root ball intact; and container-grown trees are grown in pots of various sizes.
Bare-root trees are almost always used to establish commercial orchards. Their use in home gardens has diminished because of the short planting season and their need to be handled quickly and carefully. Most bare-root trees are now sold with soil around the base in either a pot or plastic bag.
Bare-root plants usually survive well if the roots never dry out. I recommend digging holes and then buying the trees and planting immediately. Most mail-order trees are shipped bare root, so plant them as soon as they arrive. If planting conditions are not suitable, keep them outside in a cool, shady place with moist sawdust and peat moss around the roots.
Balled and burlaped trees are dug with the root ball intact. The ball is carefully tied with burlap and twine to keep it from breaking. This technique is usually reserved for trees that are more difficult to transplant, such as deciduous plants, large conifers and broad-leaved evergreens. These transplant well providing the root ball is never broken. Balled and burlaped trees are usually large. Get enough help to lift and lower the tree carefully. Don't drop the root ball or roll the tree on the ball, and don't use chains or ropes around the trunk to lift the tree.
Evergreens, including junipers and small deciduous plants, are the most popular container-grown plants. They are started in small pots and transplanted into larger pots so the entire root system is self-contained. Transplanting is easy and causes little shock to the plants.
Plants grown in a container need special care at planting. These plants transplant the most easily but often develop the most long-term problems. Inspect the root system after removing the container. If roots are growing around the root ball, make 1-inch cuts down the four sides of the ball and cut an "x" across the base. Root systems, like the tree in the picture, develop improperly if not corrected at planting.
The position of the original roots never changes. Roots that are started in a circular growth pattern by the pot continue to enlarge. Eventually the roots and trunk both expand to the where the trunk is girdled. The tree then strangles itself and dies. This process takes years, but the consequences are fatal unless the problem is discovered and corrected. Most girdling roots could be prevented by cutting the edges of the root ball at planting.
Digging a hole seems easy. For years the standard advice has been, "Dig a hole three times as wide and deep as the root ball." Arborists no longer recommend this practice. Dig wide, shallow holes and set the root ball on undisturbed soil. Digging deeper holes requires adding backfill that usually settles. This allows the tree to drop below grade level, so well-meaning caretakers fill the basin with water to irrigate the tree or even worse, fill around the trunk of the tree with soil. Covering bark that is normally exposed to the air is disastrous and often leads to collar rot and other fatal disease problems.
Water newly planted trees only when needed. Dormant trees use very little water. Adding extra water excludes oxygen from the roots and prevents them from developing. Check the soil before adding more.
Handle and plant trees carefully for best success. Woody plants in the landscape are successful whether they are bare root, balled and burlaped, or container grown. Each type has its advantages. Careful attention to correct planting procedures ensures viable, healthy trees that will be enjoyed for many generations.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.