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| Welcome to our tree column, “Ask your local arborist.” Each month, arborist George Reno from the Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park discusses a tree-related topic from general care and planting tips to how trees can impact your property. If you have a tree-related question or an idea for a topic to discuss, email lifestyle@embarcaderopublishing.com or post in the comments section at the end of this column. |
Fall is one of the best times of the year on the Midpeninsula to add a tree, shrub or other permanent planting.
Cooler temperatures and moister soil ease transplant stress and give roots time to develop before the region’s long, dry summer arrives. The more time a tree has to settle in before facing extreme weather, the better positioned it is to grow.
Late fall to early winter tends to be the sweet spot, when the soil is still warm and seasonal rains help new plants establish before summer’s heat and dryness return.
Choosing the right tree
Think beyond what a tree looks like when you bring it home. The tree you’re planting today may eventually be many times larger, so consider how much room it will need for its mature canopy and root system.
Look overhead for power lines and structures, and below ground for utilities. Consider how much sun the location receives, the soil conditions and how much water will realistically be available once the tree is established. Crowding a tree between a house, driveway and other established plants can create problems down the road.
It can be tempting to fill every empty spot in a new landscape, but leaving some space gives a tree room to develop a healthy structure. Choosing a tree suited to the site from the start can also help avoid problems as it grows.
If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance option, consider California natives. Plants that evolved in our region are adapted to local conditions and can provide valuable habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. They can also be an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a more water-conscious landscape once established.
A few native species worth considering on the Peninsula: coast live oak, California buckeye and western redbud. But even with natives, the right tree still depends on the specific conditions of your property.
Getting the tree in the ground
Once you’ve selected the right tree, take your time with the planting itself. Dig a hole wide enough for the root system, and don’t plant deeper than the tree was growing in its container. Pay attention to the root flare, where the trunk spreads into the major roots. It should sit right at the soil surface, not buried.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil, and keep watering through fall and winter as the tree establishes. Deep, infrequent watering works better than frequent, shallow watering. Mulch helps too, but keep it off the trunk. A tree shouldn’t look like it’s growing out of a volcano of mulch.
If you’d rather not handle the planting yourself, an arborist can evaluate your property and soil, recommend a tree suited to the site and help with proper planting depth and placement.
Establishing roots before summer
The biggest benefit of fall planting isn’t what you see right after planting. It’s what happens underground. While the top of a new tree may not look like much is happening, the roots are settling in and giving the tree a stronger foundation before summer arrives.
Young trees need a solid root system to handle the region’s dry months. Planting in fall gives them time to establish before the heat and dryness return.
George Reno is a local arborist at The Davey Tree Expert Company in Menlo Park, which serves communities on the Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto and Redwood City. Reno can be reached at 866-923-5658.
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