Tree planting... need advice

[JayKen86]

I have been transplanting these water oaks from the flowerbed into these plastic pots. What im wanting to do is eventualy plant them at our farm in Washington county to try and help out the wildlife habitat and overall look of the property as it doesnt have many trees. These trees have been in these pots for a little over two months now and they are doing awesome! Most have at least tripled in size and they are all around 18 to 24" tall now. I have about 20 in all and plenty more in the flower bed just waiting to be transplanted. What im wanting to know is how big should I let them get before planting in the ground, what time of year would be best for planting them and any other tips, trick or advice you guys may have. thanks in advance and here are a few pics of what im working with so far.

[Aggie PhD]

The bigger the tree the more stress it places on the tree. However depending upon how much care they will get after transplanting will help determine how big you can grow th before transplanting them

And transplant during the dormant months ( january february)

[Palmetto]

Transplant them into some molasses tubs so they will have more dirt to grow in, then when they are big enough, transplant to final resting place in jan or feb.

[JayKen86]

thanks, so you are saying i should probably go ahead and plant them this jan. or feb? I will be able to care for them about once a week after planted. The farm is only about an hour and a half drive from the house. I will be able to water them no problem if things begin to get dry again. Should i consider mulching around them to try and retain some moisture? Also im guessing fertilizing will help out as well?

[JayKen86]

Transplant them into some molasses tubs so they will have more dirt to grow in, then when they are big enough, transplant to final resting place in jan or feb.

i just ordered some five gallon black plastic planters. I will have em planted in there as soon as they arrive.

[Cartman]

be sure to break up the root ball when you plant them

[JayKen86]

be sure to break up the root ball when you plant them

Thanks for the advice. Whats the purpose of this?

[Palmetto]

If you where closer, I would give you some empty molasses lick tubs. I would say they are atleast 15 gal.

[Cartman]

In your case it may not be too bad, but it would still be good practice...

But, for example: if you buy a tree or plant that has been in a pot for a while the roots are growing in a circle...by breaking up that bunched up mess you allow the roots to grow out instead of continuing to ball up.

It is very beneficial for the life of the tree/plant

[JayKen86]

thanks for the advice cartman. makes sense and i woulda never thought about that.

[Aggie PhD]

Depending on how big they get this year, you might be able to hold off until winter of 2014 to plant them. Dig a hole that is twice as big as the pot when you transplant. Backfill with topsoil. Water it in with some root stimulator, mulch around it, but don't cover any part of the trunk.

We usually build a dam around the tree with mulch to help control the water when we water them. Besides that pray for rain! And make sure to continue to water them while they are dormant after you transplant them, just because it doesn't have leaves, the tree still needs water

[dragonsdaddy]

In your case it may not be too bad, but it would still be good practice...

But, for example: if you buy a tree or plant that has been in a pot for a while the roots are growing in a circle...by breaking up that bunched up mess you allow the roots to grow out instead of continuing to ball up.

It is very beneficial for the life of the tree/plant

most trees do well bare rooted, which allows you to open up the girdling roots. also, plant them more shallow than deep the worst thing you can do is to bury the root flare, which is supposed to be able to dry and is covered with bark. if you follow nature, you'll never see a big, living tree without a root flare on which you can stand.

[Tex_Cattleman]

One other thing on the hole you dig. If you have clay type soil, dig a square hole. This keeps the roots from growing in a circle and becoming root bound. When new roots hit the corner of the square, they dig in, rather than turning to the loosest soil.

Good luck. I have several just started...live oaks, mesquites, mountain laurel, red bud, ect. I plan on seeding wesach (sp) this week. Fertilizer is your friend...13-13-13.

[Dirtymike]

Are you kidding me? You bought containers? Jay I have 1000s I need to get rid of. You should of taken some of the oaks I just sold off also. Call me when you get a chance.

[JayKen86]

Mike I completely forgot u were gettin out of the buisness... Im gonna give u a call tmrw. Il have to make a trip down and get them containers from you.