Information on the Planting & Caring of Trees

Never cut main branches back to stubs. Many people mistakenly "top" trees because they grow into utility wires, interfere with views or sunlight, or simply grow so large that they worry the landowner. Unfortunately, the topping process is often self-defeating. Ugly, bushy, weakly attached limbs usually grow back higher than the original branches. Proper pruning can remove excessive growth without the problems topping creates. In addition, many arborists say that topping is the worst thing you can do for the health of a tree. It starves the tree by drastically reducing its food-making ability and makes the tree more susceptible to insects and disease.

• Never remove more than 1/3 of a tree's crown.
• Where possible, try to encourage side branches that form angles that are 1/3 off vertical (10:00 or 2:00 positions).
• For most species, the tree should have a single trunk.
• Ideally, main side branches should be at least 1/3 smaller than the diameter of the trunk.
• If removal of main branches is necessary, cut them back to the trunk to avoid leaving stubs.
• For most deciduous (broadleaf) trees, don't prune up from the bottom any more than 1/3 of the tree's total height.

Large Limbs:

• Make a partial cut from beneath.
• Make a second cut from above, several inches out and allow the limb to fall.
• Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar.

Small Branches:

• Make a sharp, clean cut just beyond a lateral bud or other branch.

A tree's best friend - mulch - insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street. Remove any grass within the mulch area; an area from 3 to 10 feet in diameter depending on tree size. Pour wood chips or bark pieces 2 to 4 inches within the circle, but not touching the trunk.

We don't always appreciate how far roots can extend. Understanding how and where roots grow will help you avoid damage from trenching and construction.

• Because roots need oxygen, the don't normally grow in the compacted oxygen-poor soil under paved streets.
• The framework of major roots usually lies less than 8 to 12 inches below the surface.
• Roots often grow outward to a diameter one to two times the height of the tree.

Girdling is any activity that injures the bark of a tree trunk and extends around much of the trunk's circumference. Such injuries, often caused by lawnmowers and weed trimmers, destroy the tree's most vital membranes, the layers that conduct water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and return the food produced by the leaves to the rest of the tree.

If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted. Ideally, dig or rototill an area one foot deep and approximately 5 times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree.

In transplanting, be sure to keep soil around the roots. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by the trunk or branches. Don't let the root ball dry out. Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball.

After placing the tree, pack soil firmly but not tightly around the root ball. Water the soil and place protective 3-foot circle of mulch around the tree.

It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.

Unpack tree and soak in water 6 to 12 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots and do not allow roots to dry out.

Dig a hole wider than seems necessary so the roots can spread without crowding. Remove any grass within a three-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.

Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments.

Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly packed with your heel. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the tree plenty of water.

After the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch deep protective mulch area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk).

Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.

If you own or rent a home in Worcester, the trees near the street (often between the sidewalk and street), are probably city-owned. The Worcester Parks Recreation and Cemetery Division has a forestry section designated for the care and removal of these trees. Please respect city ordinance and consult with forestry (508) 799-1300 for information regarding the planting of trees, how to prune, or if a city tree needs to be removed.