Not
only do we need to plan ahead and choose the right tree for the spot
in our yard but we need to choose the best tree from the nursery.
Not all trees in the nursery are created equal.
Trees
go through many stages at the grower before they are on display to
be sold at the nursery. During successive stages they are planted
and replanted, pruned and re-pruned. Sometimes extra soil gets piled
up over the top of the roots which results in the root system being
too deep in the soil. This often leads to a poorly developed root
system that is undersized. When small twig like trees are pruned by
the grower, growing defects, branch spacing problems and branch union
defects are sometimes over looked, and this leads to poorly structured
trees that will be prone to breakage in later years.
It
can be very difficult for the person purchasing a tree to know if
they are buying a tree with a good, strong root system or an underdeveloped
root system that is weak. Even though the tree trunk and branches
are visible, if the person purchasing the tree doesn’t recognize
and understand good and poor structural traits they may end up purchasing
a tree with built in future problems and failures.
Here
are some steps to take and problems to avoid when picking out a tree
at the nursery:
•
If you are choosing a tree to grow large, (not a bush that will stay
small) then choose one with a single trunk. Do not choose multi-stemmed
trees. Sometimes multi-stems start at soil level sometimes they develop
higher up on the trunk where several stems will develop at the same
spot, (fruit trees are often allowed to develop this way). This is
weak structure that will have future problems.
• Choose trees with a central leader (stem) from the soil to
the top of the tree. If the stem of the tree splits into a second
stem (leader) that is approximately the same size, it is called a
co-dominate leader and is usually a weak attachment point that is
prone to splitting apart and breaking in future years under snow load
or wind.
• Choose trees with good trunk development and some small lower
branches. If the tree stem is very skinny and long with very few lower
branches keep walking and leave that tree at the nursery. Lower branches
on a tree are temporary (so they should be small) but they are necessary
for proper trunk taper and development.
• Do not choose trees with damage to the trunk of the tree.
It may be obvious damage such as bark scraped away or it may require
very close examination to recognize the problem. Look for sunken or
discolored areas on the trunk bark. If you find them either walk away
from the tree or determine that it is not trunk damage. Sun scalding
on the trunk of a tree is very serious damage that may only show up
in the nursery as a slight discoloration of the bark. However, underneath
the bark is dead trunk wood.
• Do not choose trees with broken root balls. Carefully and
gently test to see if the trunk of the tree moves (is loose) inside
the dirt in the pot or root ball. If it easily moves around in the
dirt walk away. If when you gently push on the tree trunk the pot
or root ball solidly stays with the trunk go ahead and inspect further.
• If the root ball is determined to be solid you need to find
where the first significant root (not hair roots but pencil or finger
size root) is located. If burlap or plastic is covering the top of
the root ball it must be opened up to expose the top of the root ball.
Do not remove raping from the sides of the root ball you do not need
to expose the sides and this could weaken the root ball. You should
gently probe or remove the top layer of dirt to find the first significant
root. This root should be at the soil surface of the root ball or
about one inch below the soil. If the first significant root is more
than two inches below the original top of the root ball walk away
from the tree.
• Look at the general health of the tree and see if you notice
any major dead or unhealthy branch areas, also be sure the top of
the tree is living. These could be future major problems.
There
are some additional detailed criteria to possibly consider when looking
for the perfect tree, but if you follow these essential guidelines
you should find a good tree to purchase. For professional help choosing
a tree call a Consulting Arborist.
Next
month I will discuss the proper way to plant your tree to give it
the best opportunity to survive, develop and turn your investment
into an asset to your property.
Preservation
Tree Care Inc
At Preservation Tree Care Inc. our in-depth knowledge of trees and skill
at treating them, make us leaders in the Science and Art of Preserving
Trees.
Mark
is a Board Certified Master Arborist and President of Preservation Tree
Care Inc.
