Caliper Tree Planting
At Jordan Hrychuk Landscaping we take the utmost care when designing, maintaining and planting all gardens. In todays topic I'll describe the best planting practices for caliper trees. To measure the caliper of a nursery sized tree you measure the diameter of the stem 6"-12" from soil level. For mature trees you measure the diameter at breast height (DBH). A tree with a 50mm stem is 5cm (2") in diameter.
Soil Preparation:
- measure the diameter and depth of the root ball
- dig the hole 6"- 8" wider than the diameter and exact depth of root ball
- 10% of root ball should be above grade
- pack in 1" of compost to bottom of hole and a couple handfuls of bone meal
Planting the tree:
- always roll the tree into the hole gently, never handle by the stem
- make sure the tree is straight looking from all angles
- secure the tree by packing around the lower area of the root ball
- cut away twine, burlap from the stem and top of the root ball and bend the wire basket back
- backfill the hole with a mix of what you dug and amend it with compost
- pack the sides of the root ball with the amended soil
- never cover the stem above the root ball with soil or mulch, it will wrought and suffocate the tree
- cover the root ball and form a bowl with an inch of mulch or wood chips
Staking:
- using wooden or metal stakes
- install 2 stakes on either side of tree outside of drip line, don't drive them into root ball
- using burlap or wire and hose run two lines from the stakes to the stem, 4' up stem
- this sturdies the root ball from moving in high winds
- remove stakes one year after planting
Watering:
- new caliper trees need 8-10 litres every day for a week (increase rate if hot and dry)
- after that 10 litres every 3 days for 12 weeks
- takes approx 2-3 years for a 50mm tree to establish
Call Jordan Hrychuk Landscaping in Barrie Ontario for expert advice and all of your gardening needs!
