What to Look for on Your New Tree
Inspecting your tree upon delivery or at the nursery will help your tree provide a lifetime of benefits. You will want to find the following components of any new tree you find or buy:
- Bare root tree: Abundant root growth, fibrous and numerous small roots, good color; moist
- Balled and burlapped tree (B&B): Firm soil ball, with trunk securely tied. Do not accept a plant with a broken “ball”. Do not accept a tree with circling roots at the base of the trunk. Always carry B&B plants by the soil ball, not the trunk, stems or branches.
- Container-grown tree (containerized and potted): Avoid trees that are “root-bound” in the can. Roots can circle around the edge of the container may become circling roots. (Cut any circling roots when planting.) Because of this, B&B trees are generally preferred for large trees. Always remove can, basket or pot when planting.
Bare Root Seedlings Bare Root Seedlings
- Roots should be moist & fibrous.
- Deciduous seedlings should have roots about equal to stem length.
Balled & Burlapped
- Root ball should be firm to the touch, especially near the trunk.
- Root ball should be adequate for the tree’s size.
Potted
- Pot should not contain large, circling roots.
- Pruned roots cut cleanly, none wider than a finger.
- Soil & roots joined tightly.
There are some things you will want to consider when buying mature trees as well. When choosing trees for the Tri-Cities, plantings along streets and in parks, you will want to trees with fairly substantial trunk size.
- Bright, healthy bark.
- Trunk & limbs free of insect or mechanical injury.
- Branches well-distributed around trunk, considerably smaller caliper than trunk.
- Ideal spacing between branches, at least 8–12″ for most species.
- Good trunk taper.
- Wide-angle crotches for strength.
- Low branches—they are temporary, but help develop taper, promote trunk caliper growth, and prevent sun damage.
In Conclusion
Top Tree strives to earn your business. In order to do that, we ensure the best practices that are consistent with optimal tree care, our arborists are properly trained, and our customer service is top notch. If you are searching for a tree maintenance that is superior in every way, we would like to earn your business.