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Top Tree LLC is your best choice for all things “tree maintenance” in Burbank. Whether you’re looking for help with trimming trees, any kind of maintenance, or anything else related the trees in your yard, we can be your best resource.

Methods for root pruning vary. One method called spading involves cutting through the existing roots with a spade, making a circular cut all the way around the plant. The edge of this cut should be just inside the edge of the future root ball. Spading works best for small plants or plants that have not been in the old site for a long time.

Another method called trenching involves digging a trench around the plant and refilling the trench where the new feeder roots with develop with soil high in organic matter. Trenching is more appropriate for plants that have been located in the old site for several years or more. Trenching techniques also vary, depending on plant size. Trenching can be done all the way around the plant or only part of the way around the plant, followed by further trenching later in the season.

To root prune using trenching, dig a trench 8 to 12 inches wide or wider, 12 inches deeper or deeper with the outer edge of the trench corresponding to the outer edge of the future root ball. Next, fill the trench with soil high in organic matter, made by mixing two parts topsoil with one part compost. If conditions are good, the plant will grow new feeder roots in the trench of rich soil by transplanting time. These feeder roots will give the tree added ability to withstand transplant shock. Be sure to move as many of these new, young roots as you can when you move the plant. Before digging the root ball for transplanting, check to see if a good net of fibrous roots has developed. If few roots are found in the trench, you should consider postponing the move for another year. In addition, when you do decide to move the plant, digging a root ball larger than originally planned may assure that all of the new roots go with it.

We look forward to being your first call when it comes to tree maintenance in Burbank. Don’t hesitate calling us to ask us what you think are the smallest questions. We can’t wait to help you and have the chance to earn your business.

Top Tree LLC is your best choice for all things “tree maintenance” in Richland. Whether you’re looking for help with trimming trees, any kind of maintenance, or anything else related the trees in your yard, we can be your best resource.

Using the tarp as a transporting medium, drag the plant over to the new hole (dug in steps 1-4). Gently slide it into the hole, and get it straight. Shovel the excavated soil back into the hole. Tamp this soil down firmly and water it as you go, to eliminate air pockets. The formation of air pockets could cause the tree or shrub to shift after transplanting.

Mound up the soil in a ring around the newly transplanted tree or shrub, forming a berm that will catch water like a basin. This will help you achieve your main objective from here on out — keeping the new transplant’s roots well watered, until it becomes established.

Spread a 3-inch layer of landscape mulch around the new transplant. But keep it a few inches away from the base of the tree or shrub, to promote air circulation and so as not to invite rodents from nibbling on the trunk. Rodents (the pests known as “voles,” for example) become emboldened by the cover that the mulch provides.

Then water, water, water. The first summer will be a difficult one for the plant to weather, unless it gets plenty of water. Watering is as essential as anything to success in shrub and tree transplanting.

Please continue reading about transplanting trees in our next post….

We look forward to being your first call when it comes to tree maintenance in Richland. Don’t hesitate calling us to ask us what you think are the smallest questions. We can’t wait to help you and have the chance to earn your business.

The changing of the seasons is coming to the Tri-Cities area. You will want to make sure your trees and shrubbery is prepared for the chance. Here are some of the most important things you should be doing and looking for.

Water
Water the tree’s roots. Don’t waste time watering the tree’s leaves. Water the soil, where the roots are. We recommends watering within the drip line of a tree, from the trunk out to the end of the branches, to reach the roots most effectively. The water-absorbing roots are within the top two feet of soil; you want to keep these roots moist but not wet.

Avoid frequent, light watering. Instead, water deeply at wider intervals such as once a week.
Let a hose run slowly at the drip line of the tree, moving it around occasionally. At medium pressure it will take about five minutes to produce ten gallons of water.

If you are using a sprinkler system, place a straight-sided container under the sprinkler and water until it has filled one to two inches. If you deliver the equivalent of one to two inches of rain, the water will percolate into the soil about six inches, reaching the fine, water-absorbing roots.

Soil
Check the soil. There isn’t a good way to look at the soil and tell how much water is in it. Dry soil can cause death of roots and reduce a tree’s ability to absorb water, even after the soil is re-watered. Drought can increase a tree’s ability to get sick and infected by insects. To check the soil’s moisture, use either a hand trowel, a soil probe, or place your finger into the soil. Very dry soil will resist penetration and indicate the need for watering.

We look forward to being your first call when it comes to tree maintenance in the Tri-Cities. Don’t hesitate calling us to ask us what you think are the smallest questions. We can’t wait to help you and have the chance to earn your business.