The Celina Parks and Recreation Department would like to encourage everyone to plant a tree on your property and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Did you know:

1. Studies by the American Forest Association have shown that homes and businesses that retain trees save 20-25% in their energy bills for hearting and cooling compared to homes and business where trees are cleared.
2. A single mature tree can provide cooling energy equivalent to 5 average room air conditioning units running for 20 hours a day .
3. Studies show that one rural tree can intercept up to 50 pounds of particulates every year.
4. Trees can significantly reduce cooling costs. Chicago will save 5-10% in electric costs due to its expanded tree canopy. Milwaukee saved $25.00 per household ($655,00. total) in cooling cost in one year through its urban forestry program.
5. Proper tree selection and placement enhance you property value and prevent costly maintenance trimming and damage to your home

BE SAFE! Call 2 days before you dig 800.362.2764

• Don't assume you know where all underground utilities are.
• Don't plant in small tree lawns.
• Watch for overhead utility lines.
• Know how big the tree you want to plant will get at maturity.
• Watch that the tree will not obstruct visibility of traffic

Dig a shallow, broad planting hole.
Make the hole wide, as much as three times the diameter of the root ball but only as deep as the root ball. It is important to make the hole wide because the roots on the newly establishing tree must push through surrounding soil in order to establish. On most planting sites in new developments, the existing soils have been compacted and are unsuitable for healthy root growth. Breaking up the soil in a large area around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to expand into loose soil to hasten establishment.

Identify the trunk flare.
The trunk flare is where the roots spread at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted (see di agram). If the trunk flare is not partially visible, you may have to remove some soil from the top of the root ball. Find it so you can determine how deep the hole needs to be for proper planting.

Remove tree container for containerized trees.
Carefully cutting down the sides of the container may make this easier. Inspect the root ball for circling roots and cut or remove them. Expose the trunk flare, if necessary.

Place the tree at the proper height.
Before placing the tree in the hole, check to see that the hole has been dug to the proper depth and no more. The majority of the roots on the newly planted tree will develop in the to 12 inches of soil. If the tree is planted too deeply, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 2 to 3 inches above the base of the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level. This planting level will allow for some settling. To avoid damage when setting the tree in the hole, always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk.

Straighten the tree in the hole.
Before you begin backfilling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight. Once you begin backfilling, it is difficult to reposition the tree.

Fill the hole gently but firmly.
Fill the hole about onethird full and gentl y but firmly pack the soil around the base of the root ball. Then, if the root ball is wrapped, cut and remove any fabric, plastic, string, and wire from around the careful not to damage the trunk or roots in the process. Fill the remainder of the hole, taking care to firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause roots to dry out. To avoid this problem, add the soil a few inches at a time and settle with water. Continue this process until the hole is filled and the tree is firmly planted. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at this time or planting.

Stake the tree, if necessary.
If the tree is grown and dug properly at the nursery, staking for support will not be necessary in most home landscape situations. Studies have shown that trees establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. However, protective staking may be required on sites where lawn mower damage, vandalism, or windy conditions are concerns. If staking is necessary for support, there are three methods to choose among: staking, guying, and ball stabilizing. One of the most common methods is staking. With this method, two stakes used in conjunction with a wide, flexible tie material on the lower half of the tree will hold the tree upright, provided flexibility, and minimize injury to the trunk. Remove support staking and ties after the first year of growth.

Mulch the base of the tree.
Mulch is simply organic matter applied to the area at the base of the tree. It acts as a blanket to hold moisture, it moderates soil temper ature extremes, and it reduces competition from grass and weeds. Some good choices are leaf litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat moss, or composted wood chips. A 2 to 4 inch layer is ideal. More than 4 inches may cause a problem with oxygen and moisture levels. When placing mulch, be sure that the actual trunk of the tree is not covered. Doing so may cause decay of the living bark at the base of the tree. A mulch-free area, 1-2 inches wide at the base of the tree, is sufficient to avoid moist bark conditions and prevent decay.

Provide follow-up care.
Keep the soil moist but not soaked: overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow or fall off. Watering trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. When the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to wat er. Continue until mid-fall, tapering off for lower temperatures that require less-frequent watering.

Other follow-up care may include minor pruning of branches damaged during the planting process. Prune sparingly immediately after planting and wait to begin necessary corrective pruning until after a full season of growth in the new location.

After you have completed the above nine simple steps, further routine care and favorable weather conditions will ensure that your new tree or shrub will grow and thrive. A valuable asset to any landscape, trees provide a long-lasting source of beauty and enjoyment for people of all ages.

For further information on planting and helpful tips on tree selection, refer to ISA's brochures on tree selection and new tree planting. If you have any more questions, please contact your local ISA Certified Arborist or tree care professional, utility company, local nursery, or county extension office.