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Tree Assassin!

© Barbara M. Martin

Truthfully now, are you a tree hugger or a tree assassin?

I sometimes wonder if all the trees planted every spring actually grew to maturity how we'd have room to walk around. Obviously, lots of them are not surviving. It's always such a disappointment and a sadness to see a tree "go" for whatever the reason. And even worse, barring lightning, it's our own stupid well-meaning fault.

For instance, did you know the old way of planting a tree in heavily amended soil isn't recommended any more? Neither is routine staking or pruning or wrapping at planting time! Read all about it in Staking and Other Myths. Shocking, isn't it.

Spring is such a special growing time, tree planting time, and celebration time. Earth Day especially has become a natural occasion for special tree plantings. Help make sure your newly planted tree will still be there ten years from now. Help it avoid the dreaded Tree Decline.

Make sure you know what you're doing. (Use the links in this article to educate yourself.) Otherwise you will have lovingly planted a giant space eating unsightly unwanted weed! Let's hope it thrives and grows to its true potential in proportion and glory.... like the little acorn and the mighty oak.

So. Be proactive. Do a reality check: Are You What's Wrong With Your Tree? (OUCH.)

Use the links below to research your tree choice and its placement as well as your planting technique ahead of time. Do your best to make sure your tree will survive and bring pleasure for many years to come. Otherwise, it will either die early or become a weed just like any other poorly plant in the wrong place. And we all know what weeds are good for. Yup.

HOW TO PICK & PLANT YOUR TREE RIGHT!

Planning Where to Put It

Tree Placement on Home Grounds (Where to put it in your yard)

Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts (Is that a Euphemism or What!)

Planting On Your Septic Drainfield (Take Your Chances!)

Deciding What to Plant

Choosing the Ideal Tree (For You!)

Tree Selection

Uncommon Trees for Specimen Planting

Shade Trees

Woody Landscape Plants: Selection and Planting

Before Your Order Tree Seedlings

Purchasing

Buying High Quality Trees

How to Buy and Plant A Tree

Planting

Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines

New Tree Planting

Planting Techniques for Trees and Shrubs

Newer Research/Urban & Street Tree Planting

The copyright of the article Tree Assassin! in Cottage Garden is owned by Barbara M. Martin. Permission to republish Tree Assassin! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.