Proper Planting and Pruning
Techniques for Trees
Presentation by: Eva Monheim emonheim@temple.edu
Faculty member at Temple University in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
and Oak Leaf Productions
GWA 9/12/20010
Sources for Tree Information
• www.ISA-Arbor.org
• Cooperative Extension in Your State
– Clemson – “Planting Trees Correctly”
– Ed Gilman – University of Florida
– Virginia Tech
• US Department of Agriculture
Planting Balled and Burlapped, Bareroot
and Container Trees
http://www.wildbirds.org/oaks/oaks.htm
Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/DD7415b.html
Tips for Planting B and B Trees
• All ties, burlap and wire cages should be removed
• If the tree is too large to remove the entire cage,
remove the upper 1/3 to 2/3s of the cage – use
tin snips for removal – roots of trees are usually
found in the upper 24-36” of the soil
• Back fill the hole with soil that is unamended
• Never put mulch up against the trunk of trees
like volcanoes. This causes problems with the
bark and encourages adventious roots which
weaken the original root structure.
Drawbacks to Planting B and B Trees
• Balled and Burlapped trees lose 50-80% of
their root systems when dug from the nursery
• If the root flare is buried in the nursery, more
roots are lost
• Takes one year for every each of caliper for the
roots to re-establish themselves after they are
dug
http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/FYN.Tree.Planting.htm
This is unacceptable planting
Properly Planted Penn Treaty Elm
Tree Well
Planted to Deep – Root Flare is
Buried
Planting Bareroot Trees
http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/trees/planting/BareRootTrees.asp
Tips for Planting
• Bareroot stock maintains ~90% of the root
mass
• They are light to move and/or carry
• They need a smaller hole than the B and B
tree
• Backfill with unamended soils and make sure the
root flare is level with the nature soil line
• These trees only need to be staked if they are in
areas where there is a great deal of foot traffic
and activity
• All new plantings should receive one inch of
water per week during establishment ~10 gallons
for a smaller tree
Place the Roots on a Mound and Spread
Them Out – Then Backfill
http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/trees/planting/BareRootTrees.asp
Drawback to Bareroot Trees
• Small window for planting in the spring and
fall of the year when plants are dormant
• Root systems need to be dipped in hydro gel
to keep them moist until planting
• Need to have enough volunteers or staff for
planting large quantities
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/uf/plant_trees/planting_trees.htm
Planting Containerized Trees
http://www.wildbirds.org/oaks/oaks.htm
http://www.caseytrees.org/planting/how-to/planting/index.php
Tips for Planting
• Make sure to check that there are no circling
roots to cause girdling
• Make sure that the root flare is at ground level
• Backfill with unamended soil
Drawbacks to Container Trees
• If the trees have been growing to long in the
container – their roots may be to girdled
Girdled Roots and Buried to
Deep
Things Not to Do
Healthy Root Flare
Pruning
Reasons to Prune
• Three Ds
o Damaged
o Diseased
o Dead
Understanding Tree Anatomy
Branch Anatomy
Tree pruned outside branch collar
Pruning Cut Should Look Like a
Donut When Healing
Improper Pruning
Drawing by Eva Monheim
Proper Pruning
• Leads to an overall healthier tree
• A tree that will withstand storms better
• Gives the tree the opportunity to have a long
and happy life – well beyond our lifetime
If Your Tree is Planted Right and Pruned
Properly the Tree Will Live for Generations
Thank You!