New Search
PLANTING BARE ROOT <br /> TREES - A BETTER METHOD <br /> Sod Removal and Digging of Holes NEIGHBOR <br /> Performing these tasks ahead of time, during the week preceding WOODS <br /> Planting Day, lightens the work considerably on Planting Day. <br /> A sod -free planting area at least six feet across must be <br /> prepared to help ensure that the new tree gets the best start possible. The <br /> presence of grass can inhibit the development of new tree roots. And by <br /> preparing a substantial grass -free, mulched planting area, neighbors are less <br /> likely to nick the young tree trunk with a lawnmower or compact the soil by <br /> treading where the tree's new roots will be developing. <br /> If the treelawn is less than eight feet in width, a sod -free planting area should be <br /> prepared that extends all the way from the curb to the sidewalk, and is at least <br /> six feet wide. For treelawns eight feet wide or wider, remove the sod in a <br /> square or circular area at least six feet across, in the center of the treelawn. The <br /> neighborhood leader may wish to mark with spray paint the comers or edges of <br /> planting areas when confirming the utility checks, so neighbors will know <br /> exactly where to cut. <br /> There are three ways that sod can be removed. City staff and their sod - cutting <br /> machine, if available, may do it. Or a group of neighbors might chip in to rent <br /> a sod -cutter and do all the planting sites themselves the weekend before Planting <br /> Day. Or neighbors can remove the sod by hand, using pulaskis loaned by the <br /> City for that purpose. In the latter case, it is wise that the sod first be removed <br /> from a "demonstration site" so neighbors can stop by to see how their site <br /> should look when finished, before borrowing the pulaski. Sod that is removed <br /> is best composted nearby, to avoid having to haul it away. <br /> After the sod is removed, the hole for the new tree must be dug. For most <br /> trees, a hole three feet across and two feet deep is adequate. To prevent <br /> accidents after digging the hole, and before planting the tree, the hole should <br /> either be covered with boards or marked by a barrier made of stakes and light - <br /> colored flagging. <br />