By Steven Conaway

Special to the Telegram & Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK

During my time in New York City, I often found solace in the view from my kitchen window, where a magnificent scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) towered above the surrounding brick homes. This majestic tree, over 150 years old, stood as a relic of the time before the fertile farmland and lush forests of the Bronx were transformed into urban dwellings. It not only weathered the dramatic changes of its environment but also served as a steadfast anchor for the community.

The lively neighborhood below was complemented by the vibrant activity within the oak's canopy. A diverse array of wildlife made this tree their home, including a variety of songbirds, industrious woodpeckers, a charming family of plump raccoons, and a pair of nesting kestrels. Its presence reminded me of the importance of trees in our lives, and whenever I plant new trees, I reflect on the oak's longevity and profound impact. The dedication and care involved in proper tree planting is a small price to pay for the substantial benefits that a tree provides over the years.

Fortunately, this venerable oak was planted with adequate space from nearby homes, sidewalks, and utility wires, but not all trees enjoy such favorable placements. When considering planting a new tree, thorough analysis of the landscape is essential. You must inspect the prospective planting area for various factors: the amount of sunlight available, the distance to buildings, the condition of the soil, and other environmental aspects that the new resident tree will have to navigate throughout its hopefully long life.

Choosing a tree species that is well-adapted to the site conditions is crucial. Additionally, it is important to carefully determine the exact planting spot based on the mature height and width the tree is expected to achieve. This foresight grants the tree the necessary space to spread its branches and develop its full form over time, rather than rushing the process for immediate visual impact.

It's essential to remember that the new tree you are about to plant has already experienced a range of conditions that have influenced its growth up until this point. I often engage in a bit of 'tree detective work' before even picking up a spade.

For many home gardeners, young trees and shrubs are typically found in nursery pots, where they have been nurtured in specialized potting soils that are more aerated and drain more efficiently than the native soils they will eventually encounter. It's important to check these containerized trees for any signs of rootbound conditions. If you notice roots that have begun to mat or coil within the pot, it's beneficial to pull or cut these roots to prevent them from continuing to spiral and constrict the tree after it is planted. In cases where a dense mat of fibrous roots has formed, you can carve off the exterior layer to encourage new root growth into the surrounding soil after planting.

For older, larger specimens, they are often delivered with a root ball extracted from a nursery field, wrapped in fabric and secured with a sturdy wire cage. Unfortunately, during this digging process, many of the delicate fine rootscrucial for water absorptionare often severed. Moreover, depending on where the tree was originally grown, the characteristics of the soil it encounters in its new location might differ significantly. On the other hand, specialty nurseries may offer young trees that are shipped bare-root, without any potting mix or field soil.

When introducing your new tree to its new home, it's critical to extend a bit of compassion. Much like a child moving to a new school, the transition can be foreign and intimidating for a newly planted tree. It may not be accustomed to the uncharted soil, water availability, and sunlight of its new garden environment. Additionally, it might have been raised on a steady diet of fertilizers or spent its winters in warmer climates. As a caretaker, your role is to facilitate the tree's adjustment to its new surroundings while minimizing transplant shock.

Here are five essential tips for ensuring successful tree planting:

• Plant during spring or fall: These seasons provide optimal conditions for root establishment, as soil moisture is often high and the risk of extreme temperature fluctuations is lower.
• Prepare a proper hole: Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball, ensuring the depth allows the root flarethe area at the base of the trunk where it begins to widento be level with the surrounding soil.
• Ensure ample water: Providing sufficient water is vital, particularly during the first year but ideally for the first three years after planting. Newly planted trees are more vulnerable to drought until they develop established roots.
• Never neglect watering: Abundant water is critical for the success of the new tree.
• Practice patience: Root establishment is a gradual process, so manage your expectations regarding rapid growth in the initial season, and simply enjoy watching your new tree flourish over time.

Gardening Central Mass. offers ecologically focused advice and inspiring stories for home gardeners, featuring insights from Grace Elton, CEO of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, and Steven Conaway, Director of Horticulture. Located in Boylston, the New England Botanic Garden aims to create engaging experiences with plants that inspire individuals and contribute positively to the world. For more information, visit

Elena Petrova