Choosing High Quality Trees

A high-quality tree, when planted and cared for, can become a long-lasting asset to your property. A low-quality tree may develop costly problems over time, increasing the need for maintenance and reducing the benefits a tree can provide.

Low-quality trees commonly have a weak form, wounds from handling, or incorrect pruning, and the roots may be limited, crushed, circling in an undersized ball or container. These problems can greatly reduce the tree’s prospects for a healthy and productive life. 

Homeowners who desire a tree with multiple trunks should make certain that the trunks are well separated at the ground line. Remember, trunks expand in diameter as they grow. Two trunks may be slightly separated when small, but as they grow the trunks will squeeze together. 

A correct pruning cut removes the branch just outside of the collar. A ring, or “doughnut,” of tissues then grows around the cut. Do not make cuts flush to the trunk. Trunk tissues above and below a flush-cut branch often die, creating dead spots. 

Bare roots should not be crushed, dried out, or discolored. The ends of the roots should be cleanly cut. Damaged roots may be cut cleanly prior to planting and watering. Bare roots are easy to transport and plant. However, they need to be planted soon to prevent root drying

With container-grown plants, the trunk flare should be visible. Roots should not twist or circle in the container. Circling roots may girdle and kill other roots or the entire tree if wrapped around the lower trunk. Fine circling roots may be cut away at planting.