By Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana—a day we set aside to appreciate trees and plant them.
Trees are sold in one of two forms – container-grown or balled-and-burlapped.
There is not one perfect tree for Louisiana. All trees have advantages and disadvantages depending on the planting location and desired characteristics. Here are some points you need to consider:
• Select a tree that will mature at a size appropriate for your chosen location.
• Decide if you want a tree that retains its foliage year-round (evergreen) or loses its leaves in the winter (deciduous).
• Choose trees that are well-adapted to Louisiana growing conditions.
• Check the location of overhead power lines, and consider underground water lines and septic tanks as well as walks, drives and paved surfaces.
When planting a tree, dig the hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball and no deeper than the height of the root ball.
It is critical that you do not plant the tree too deep.
Thoroughly pulverize the soil you removed from the hole and use this soil, without any additions, to backfill around the tree.
Add soil around the tree until the hole is half full, then firm the soil to eliminate air pockets – but don’t pack it tightly. Then water the tree thoroughly to settle it in.
To properly water a tree its first year, turn a hose on to a trickle and lay the end on top of the ground within 6 inches of the trunk. Let the water trickle for about 30 minutes. This should be done once or twice a week during hot, dry weather.
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