Tree Planting Tips
Selecting The Right Tree
Proper tree selection can provide you with years of enjoyment as well as significantly increase the value of your property. An inappropriate tree for your property can be a constant maintenance problem or even a hazard.
Take advantage of the abundant references on gardening at local libraries, universities, arboretums, native plant and gardening clubs, and nurseries. The City Forester can assist with the decision if you desire to plant on the city's boulevard or other public right of way.
Questions to consider in selecting a tree:
- What purpose will this tree serve?
Trees can serve numerous landscape functions including beautification, screening of sights and sounds, shade and energy conservation and wildlife habitat.
- Is the species appropriate for your area?
Reliable nurseries don't sell plants unsuitable for your area. Even if a tree is hardy, it may not flower consistently due to late spring freezes. Consider this If you are buying a tree for the spring flowers and fall fruits.
Generally, if a species is labeled hardy for zones 1-4, it should be adapted to our Minnesota climate. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map below can help determine if a species of tree will survive in Minnesota. The Coon Rapids area is zone 3b-4a.
- Select trees native to your area.
They will be more tolerant of local weather and soil conditions.
- How big will it get?
When planting a small tree, it is often difficult to imagine that in 20 years it could be shading your entire yard. Unfortunately, many trees are planted and later removed when the tree grows beyond the dimensions of the property.
- Does it have any particular ornamental value such as leaf color or flowers and fruits?
Some species provide beautiful color for short periods in the spring or fall. Other species may have foliage that is reddish or variegated and can add color in your landscaping year round.
- Does it have any particular insect, disease, or other problem that may reduce its usefulness?
Certain insects and diseases can be serious problems on some species. Depending on the pest, control of the problem may be difficult and the pest may significantly reduce the attractiveness, if not the life expectancy, of the plant. Other species such as the silver maple (Acer saccharinum) have weak wood susceptible to damage in ice storms or heavy winds.
- How common is this species in your neighborhood or town?
Some species are over-planted. Increasing the natural diversity will provide habitat for wildlife and help limit the opportunity for a single pest to destroy all plantings.
- Is the tree evergreen or deciduous?
Evergreen trees will provide cover and shade year round. They may also be more effective as a barrier for wind and noise. Deciduous trees will give you summer shade but allow the winter sun to shine in. This may be a consideration for where to place the tree in your yard.
Planting Location
Proper placement of trees is critical for your enjoyment and their long-term survival. Consult the City Forester as Coon Rapids has guidelines restricting placement of trees within a specified distance of a street, sidewalk, streetlight, or other utility.
Planting Location
A properly planted and maintained tree will grow faster and live longer. Optimum planting time is early spring after the ground is thawed and before the tree begins to actively develop foliage. This is the time to plant bare root trees. Trees can be planted during the summer and fall once they have fully leafed out as long as they are potted or balled and burlapped. In either case, planting as early as possible allows the tree to develop a strong root system prior to the winter season.
Before Digging, call Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 to identify the location of any underground utilities, it's the law.
Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel so that roots can penetrate the soil.
If you are planting a potted tree, gently remove the tree from the container. Lay the tree on its side with the container end near the planting hole. Hit the bottom and sides of the container until the root ball is loosened. If roots are growing in a circular pattern around the root ball, slice through the roots on a couple of sides. If your tree is burlap wrapped, remove the string or wire that holds the burlap to the root crown. It is not necessary to completely remove the burlap. Plastic wraps must be completely removed. Gently separate circling roots on the root ball, shorten exceptionally long roots, and guide the shortened roots downward and outward. Root tips die quickly when exposed to light and air.
Place the root ball in the hole. Leave the top of the root ball (where the roots end and the trunk begins) 1/2 to 1 inch above the surrounding soil, making sure not to cover it unless roots are exposed. For bare root plants, make a mound of soil in the middle of the hole and spread plant roots out evenly over mound. Do not set trees too deep. As you add soil to fill in around the tree, lightly tamp the soil to collapse air pockets, or add water to help settle the soil. Form a temporary water basin around the base of the tree to encourage water penetration, and water thoroughly after planting. A tree with a dry root ball cannot absorb water; if the root ball is extremely dry, allow water to trickle into the soil by placing the hose at the trunk of the tree. Mulch around the tree.
If you need assistance with the tree selecting or planting process, you may contact the City Forester at 763-767-6455.