In my April 10th article I wrote about the importance of planting trees at the correct depth. Here are some quick tips for proper tree planting.
First, take a soil sample at least a few weeks before planting. This will give you time to apply lime and fertilizer to the planting area and is best done before planting. If you will be using power digging equipment contact the PA One-Call System 3 to 10 business days before planting to help you avoid hitting underground utilities. In Pennsylvania, call 811 or visit www.paonecall.org
The planting area should be saucer shaped with soil loosened three to five times the diameter of the root ball and no more than the depth of the root ball. At a minimum, loosen soil in the planting area 2½ times the diameter of the root ball and 12 inches deep. The root ball should sit on solid, undisturbed ground rather than on loose soil. To accomplish this, dig the root ball hole so the top of the root collar (where the tree trunk flares out to the roots) is level with the existing grade of the area. Because of cultivation in the nursery, balled and burlapped plant stock may have soil piled on top of the root collar. Pull this excess soil away to determine where the root collar starts.
Hold the tree upright while backfilling around the root ball. Gently pack the soil to prevent any major air pockets; water occasionally to help settle the soil. When the root ball has been covered with soil, rake the soil evenly over the entire planting area. Deeply water the entire excavated area.
The roots of bare-root trees should be supported by a mound of soil within the planting hole so they will be evenly distributed within the planting hole. Do not kink the roots of bare-root trees to force them into a planting hole that is too small. Their root collar should be positioned level with the existing grade.
For more information on planting trees see the Penn State Extension publications
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uj253.pdf
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uh143.pdf
For information on these and other tree related topics, visit www.patrees.org
Questions? Contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Wildfires: Not in My Backyard!
Clearing and burning brush seems like a straightforward way to keep your garden, landscape and surrounding woods clean. Unfortunately, many gardeners are unaware of the wildfire risk posed by some brush management practices. And news reports of intense wildfires in western states, which usually are caused by lightening, only add to misperceptions about the cause of wildfires in eastern states. The majority of Eastern wildfires are caused by humans, with debris burning and arson as the leading culprits.
'Wildfire', a new four-page booklet in the popular From the Woods youth series, talks about wildfires and controlled burns in the Eastern United States. It describes the differences between Eastern and Western wildfires; including the time of year they are mostly likely to occur, types of wildfires, and their causes.
The release of From the Woods: Wildfire coincides with Pennsylvania's peak wildfire season. During the spring and the fall when the leaves are off the trees, the sun and wind dries leaves, twigs, and branches on the forest floor. Spring also is the time when many of us go outside to clear brush, leaves, and debris from the yard. Some may wait for a sunny, dry, breezy day to burn the debris. Unfortunately, those are the worst days to burn debris since the flames can quickly spread to dry grass or nearby wooded areas. Homeowners must use extra caution when burning debris to prevent spread and protect their properties. 'Wildfire' reviews simple steps you can take to protect your home, not only from your own actions, but also should a larger wildfire occur.
The booklet also explains why not all fires are harmful. Trained professionals conduct controlled burns as a useful tool to restore native landscapes and manage vegetation.
PA residents can obtain one free copy of 'Wildfire' by calling 814-865-6713; anyone can download it for free at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh191.pdf The Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program provides publications on a variety of topics related to woodland management. For a list of free publications, call 800-234-9473 (toll free), send an email to RNRext@psu.edu, or visit our website at http://extension.psu.edu/paforeststewards
Questions? Contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
PLEASE JOIN US on Saturday, May 7 for Breakfast, Business, and Bugs! Enjoy a hot breakfast at 9 AM ($7.00) and your County Cooperative Extension Association annual meeting (no charge) at 9:30ish. Then join our Master Gardeners for a plant sale and workshop ($5.00) on Bugs: Good versus Evil, and Organic Pest Control for Gardeners. Come to any or all sessions. Please register by May 3rd by calling 963-6842 or emailing us at LackawannaExt@psu.edu
Registration for breakfast starts at 8:30; for the gardening workshop at 10:30 with talks from 11AM to 1 PM. Seating is limited!
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
'Wildfire', a new four-page booklet in the popular From the Woods youth series, talks about wildfires and controlled burns in the Eastern United States. It describes the differences between Eastern and Western wildfires; including the time of year they are mostly likely to occur, types of wildfires, and their causes.
The release of From the Woods: Wildfire coincides with Pennsylvania's peak wildfire season. During the spring and the fall when the leaves are off the trees, the sun and wind dries leaves, twigs, and branches on the forest floor. Spring also is the time when many of us go outside to clear brush, leaves, and debris from the yard. Some may wait for a sunny, dry, breezy day to burn the debris. Unfortunately, those are the worst days to burn debris since the flames can quickly spread to dry grass or nearby wooded areas. Homeowners must use extra caution when burning debris to prevent spread and protect their properties. 'Wildfire' reviews simple steps you can take to protect your home, not only from your own actions, but also should a larger wildfire occur.
The booklet also explains why not all fires are harmful. Trained professionals conduct controlled burns as a useful tool to restore native landscapes and manage vegetation.
PA residents can obtain one free copy of 'Wildfire' by calling 814-865-6713; anyone can download it for free at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh191.pdf The Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program provides publications on a variety of topics related to woodland management. For a list of free publications, call 800-234-9473 (toll free), send an email to RNRext@psu.edu, or visit our website at http://extension.psu.edu/paforeststewards
Questions? Contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
PLEASE JOIN US on Saturday, May 7 for Breakfast, Business, and Bugs! Enjoy a hot breakfast at 9 AM ($7.00) and your County Cooperative Extension Association annual meeting (no charge) at 9:30ish. Then join our Master Gardeners for a plant sale and workshop ($5.00) on Bugs: Good versus Evil, and Organic Pest Control for Gardeners. Come to any or all sessions. Please register by May 3rd by calling 963-6842 or emailing us at LackawannaExt@psu.edu
Registration for breakfast starts at 8:30; for the gardening workshop at 10:30 with talks from 11AM to 1 PM. Seating is limited!
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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