Trees are often the last thing you think of when you want to improve your landscaping design. However, a properly maintained or positioned tree can make a drastic difference in your home’s appearance. Trees need to be watched for diseases, dead limbs, and shape. You also have to watch the growth of large trees near buildings for power lines, windows, gutters, or other hazards.
South Florida has beautiful hearty trees. Large Oak or Maple trees can provide the shade or privacy you want, or even soften the edges of your home or business.
Planting trees should be planned out since there are obstacles which could endanger you or your property. The very first thing you do is call Sunshine State One Call of Florida at 811 or 1-800-432-4770 at least 48 hours in advance of any excavation work (in accordance with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act – Florida Statute 556). You can also submit your locate request online at www.callsunshine.com to have your utilities marked. Although it may seem tedious to wait 24-48 hours, it is important for your safety and the safety of the utility lines in your space.This could save your life or even just the utility services you enjoy.
Choose the location making sure you know exactly where you want to put the tree since trees can be difficult to transplant later. One way is to take a picture and get two glossy (must be glossy for this project) copies made. Take the originial and set it aside; take the duplicate and a dry-erase pen to the “drawing table”. Draw the tree right on the photo where you are thinking about planting it…draw it to its full grown size since it will grow. If you don’t like it, wipe it off with a dry paper towel and try again. Once you are finished, compare to your original and see what a difference it will make. Good or bad, you know if you want a tree there. If you are artistic, this method of planning can be very fun.
Dig the hole twice as wide as the burlap ball and one to one and a half times as wide. Leave the burlap on until the tree is in the hole you dug. This is usually a two person job. Once you have the tree positioned correctly, the strings can be cut and removed, but the burlap can stay. If plastic burlap is used, it must be removed. Then fill all the space around the ball and pack tightly. Any air pockets could damage the plant. Then water well. Landscaping mulch should follow to keep in soil moisture and to prevent weed growth. Check with local authorities if drought conditions exist at the time because they may limit plant watering. Most nurseries will guarantee plants for a period of time.