4 common tree planting mistakes to avoid

There’s no doubt that planting trees is one of the best ways to attract birdlife and add more beauty and value to your home. Because of this we often take it into our own hands to landscape our homes. Although tree planting may seem simple, you would be surprised just how easy it is to get it wrong. If you’re thinking of planting trees on your property, then it is wise to avoid some of the most common mistakes that people often make.
These include:

Planting the wrong trees

As wonderful as trees can be, the fact is that not every tree is right for your property. Some trees are simply more suitable for your property than others, and this is something that you’ll have to keep in mind before you start planting them. Unfortunately, many homeowners and first-time tree planters usually forget this fact and end up planting the wrong trees on their property. The result? Incompatible trees that do more harm than good.
 
To avoid this mistake, make sure to do your research beforehand or to consult with professional arborists ahead of time. This way, you’re able to determine what trees suit your property the best.
 
Some aspects you have to consider include the amount of space you have available, how big the trees will get, and the climate in your region.

The more factors you consider, the better you’ll be able to narrow down your choices for what trees to plant in your property.

Planting at the wrong site

Even if you picked the right trees to plant, things could still go wrong if you plant it in the wrong location. Some sites may contain too much sand, moisture, or some other element that makes it a hostile environment. If your tree is not designed for such conditions, then it’s likely to suffer and not grow properly.

Sandy soils, for example, require trees that can grow in low-moisture conditions. Soil with a heavy presence of clay, on the other hand, requires trees that are more tolerant to wetter conditions and higher levels of moisture.

Remember that matching the soil type for your tree is just as important as picking the right tree for your property. One way to prevent this mistake is by asking a professional to conduct a soil test before planting your trees. This way, you can determine your soil’s pH level and its associated requirements for growing trees.

Planting in a hole that’s too small

This is a mistake that many inexperienced homeowners often make. Yes, planting a tree can be as simple as digging a hole and placing the tree inside. But if you plant the tree in a hole that’s too small, then you’re not giving its roots the optimum space to grow. Not only are newly planted trees in small holes less stable, but they’re also more likely to struggle with building a strong and healthy root system in the existing soil.

A good rule of thumb is to plant your tree in a hole that’s at least twice as wide as the root ball. This ensures adequate space for your tree’s roots to develop and take hold in the soil, especially as it continues to grow. Remember that it’s always best to get it right this first time because it becomes more difficult to correct the more its roots take hold in the ground.

Not monitoring your planted trees

Like any other activity, constant monitoring is essential to your tree’s optimum growth. Unfortunately, this is something that most people also fail to do. Planting your tree is just the beginning; the real work begins afterwards. To ensure that your tree grows and develops properly, you should constantly monitor its progress.

This involves identifying any issues – both current and in the future – and addressing it accordingly. With proper monitoring, these issues can be addressed well before they become even bigger problems. Typical monitoring activities include regularly checking the condition of the soil, assessing the stability of your trees, and keeping an eye out for any pests or infestations.

The more you monitor your trees, the more likely your trees can grow to its full potential.