Arbor Day is April 28, and while it may not get as much fanfare as other holidays, it’s still worthwhile. Planting trees has many benefits, from producing oxygen to providing fruit and shade. Our REALTORS® can help you find the perfect home with a yard where you can plant a tree this Arbor Day. Here are some tips for planting and caring for trees.
- Choose a Tree. Look at the type of soil you have in your yard and how much space you have. Then think about what you want out of the tree and how much care you’re willing to put into it. Do you want something that will give fruit? Shade? Something that you have to water and prune regularly? These factors will provide insight into what kind of tree you should plant. If you’re still uncertain, the folks at the tree nursery can help you decide as well.
- Choose a Location. Consider where a tree would look best in your yard and where you most want shade. If you plant on the south side of your home, the shade can be very beneficial in summer, even helping to lower your cooling bills. Ensure the tree isn’t too close to your house or far away. Consider how tall it will grow, how much it will spread, and how large the root system will get to help pick a planting location.
- Dig a Hole. Once you’ve got your tree and your location, it’s time to plant. Locate the root ball at the tree’s base, then dig a hole just slightly shorter than that and two or three times wider. Loosen the roots around the root ball and place the tree in the hole.
- Compost and Plant. Before filling the hole, mix the soil you’ve dug up with some compost or garden soil—ideally, three parts native soil to one part compost. Fill in the hole, tapping the soil down periodically to get rid of air pockets. When the hole is filled, pile the soil up around the root ball so it gets covered. Doing this instead of putting the root ball right at ground level will give the tree better drainage and help it avoid root diseases down the line.
- Mulch. Once everything is covered, add a thick layer of mulch between 2-3 inches. Don’t let the mulch touch the trunk directly, though. This can suffocate the tree, leading to rot.
- Water. Once the tree is planted, add water until it starts to pool. Then check to see how long it takes the water to drain. If it takes a long time, you may have over-watered. For the first two weeks after planting, water the tree every day. For the next 10 weeks, water every couple of days. After 12 weeks, water the tree once a week. You should also ask the tree nursery how much water to give the tree and how often to avoid over- or under-watering.
- Fertilize. After a few months, once the tree is firmly established in its new environment, add fertilizer or plant food. Continue to do so about once a year.
In addition to their natural and environmental benefits, planting trees can also add value to Nassau County homes for sale. If you’re ready to find your new home and want to check out Nassau or Suffolk County homes for sale, you can contact us. We’ll help you find a great neighborhood and home perfect for planting trees.