Essential Academic Learning Requirements:
Reading: 1.
The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.
1.2 build
vocabulary through reading
Communication:
1. The student uses listening and observation
skills to gain understanding.
1.1 focus
attention
1.2 listen and
observe to gain and interpret information
1.3 check for
understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing
Science:
1. The student understands and uses
scientific concepts and principles.
1.2 recognize
the components, structure, and organization of systems and the
interconnections within and among them
1.3 understand
how the interactions within and among systems cause changes in matter and
energy
2. The student
knows and applies the skills and processes of science and technology.
2.2 apply
science knowledge and skills to solve problems and meet challenges
VOCABULARY:
root collar : the base of the tree
where the roots start and the trunk stops
circling roots : roots that go around and around the root ball
girdling root : roots that encircle the base of the tree and prevent
growth, choking the tree
bare root : plants dug up in the nursery without soil around the
roots
slow release : fertilizer that is formulated to release nutrients,
especially nitrogen, at a slow rate
dormant : stage of growth in late fall, winter, and early spring when
woody plants are not actively growing
utilities: phone and electrical lines
Spin:Out: Spin:Out is a new type of container for nursery plants. 1999 was
the first year this container was available in the state of Washington.
trunk wood : the trunk of the tree
root wood : wood that is formed in the roots
root flare(s) : where the base of the tree trunk flares out because of the
roots
balled & burlaped : plants dug up in the nursery with soil around the
root system and then wrapped in burlap to protect the root ball
root right container : a plastic container for growing plants that has
copper mixed with the plastic at the time it’s made
wire basket : heavy wire basket used for containing the root ball of large
trees dug for transplanting
grow bag a bottomless bag made out of synthetic fiber. Is used for growing
plants in the nursery
plastic container plant growing containers made from plastic
fiber container plant growing containers made of some type of
biodegradable fiber such as paper
Location
Selecting the right tree for the right
area. Pick a small tree for a
small area, a large tree for a large area, and a shorter tree for under power
lines.
Why Plant a Tree?
do you want to shade a certain area?
Do you want to block a certain view (the neighbor)?
Would you like spring flowers or fall color?
My reason is for the shade; I like shade.
Preparing the Planting Site -
Digging the Hole
Location of utilities before digging the
hole - call the P.U.D. to check. “Call before you dig.” Dig the hole large
enough to accommodate the root structure.
If the soil is compacted (hard to dig), you need to loosen the soil.
Make your hole wider and deeper than the root system. However don’t make it
deeper in the center where you will be planting the tree to avoid the tree
settling too deep. If the soil is
sandy add organic material - 1 part organic material to 3 parts soil.
Mix the material with the soil very well.
Have the hole prepared before taking the container or packing off the
tree root ball to avoid the drying of the roots.
Planting of Bareroot Trees
Bareroot means there is no soil on roots.
The only time transplanting is done this way is when the plant is
completely dormant... when there
are no leaves on the tree, during winter months to early spring.
After being dug, the bare roots are covered with wet straw and wrapped
with plastic to prevent the roots from drying out.
When the hole is ready unwrap the tree roots and place the tree in the
hole. (Do not put the straw in
the hole with the tree.) Spread the roots out evenly.
Check to ensure that the depth of the tree is right.
The root collar (wood is different color than trunk wood in most tree
varieties) should be even with the soil level.
The depth of the soil should be 1-3 inches up on the trunk from the top
root.
Once the tree is set, back fill with
soil and compost material. Water
the tree in very well to set the soil. Muck
it in with lots of water. You
will probably need to add more soil later and then water again.
I like to use slow-release fertilizer pellets.
Place them 3-4 inches deep and 3-4 inches from the spread of the root
structure. You need to read the
label or ask about how many to use. It
is a good idea to use bark mulch around the base of the tree after the final
grade is done.
Planting of Container Grown Trees
Container grown trees can be planted at almost any time of the year. Take the container off the roots. If the roots are encircling or winding around the outer edge of the soil, gently tease (untangle) the roots and spread them out. If there is a dense mat of roots, gently prune the outer layer vertically in several places about 8 inches apart. Cut an X on the bottom of the root ball and gently spread out the roots. You will only be able to spread these a little bit. Don’t tear the root ball apart. Place tree in hole with the top of the root ball even with the soil level, adding mulch 2 inches. If you’re not using mulch, plant it one inch deeper. Water the tree in well to settle the soil.
Planting of Trees B&B (Ball and
Burlaped)
B&B is when a tree is dug with the roots
staying in the soil that they have been growing in, so you have a root
“ball.” After the tree is dug,
it’s put into a wire basket lined with burlap.
The burlap is secured to the root ball with twine and/or nails.
The reason for doing this is because some trees do not transplant well
with soil removed from the roots. The
burlap’s purpose is to keep the soil from loosening around the roots and
falling away.
Generally trees dug B&B are heavy, so be
careful you don’t hurt yourself. Have
someone help. Once you have gotten
the tree next to the hole, cut all of the upright wires directly under the
second wire encircling the basket. Use
wire cutters. Lean the tree on its
side and remove the bottom of the basket. Be
careful of the cut wire; it’s sharp. Be
careful not to break branches on the tree.
Check the hole depth before sliding the tree into place. You can measure
the depth of the hole and the height of the root ball with a shovel handle. The
top of the root ball should be at soil level. After the tree is set, cut the
string at the top of the basket off and cut the upright wires on one side,
gently pealing the rest of the wire basket off.
About Removing the Burlap
Most burlap is treated with copper to keep
it from rotting quickly. Copper
inhibits root growth. Some trees
have a vigorous root system that will grow through the burlap.
If you remove the burlap, do it carefully.
After the tree is set and the wire is cut off, gently pull burlap back
and cut it around the bottom, leaving a small piece underneath.
Trying to get that bottom piece generally will tear up the root ball.
It is not worth it. Back
fill with soil. Water the tree in
well.
All new trees will need extra care in the first few years after planting, as well as care throughout their life.