Tree success starts with proper planning
By
John Grimes-
Trees that are planted correctly will have a "leaf-up" on those that are
not. Planting is one of the most important cultural practices that can
determine the trees success or failure. To get the most satisfactory
performance from trees, attention must be given to planting details.
Choosing quality plants and following good cultural practices such as
watering, pruning, and fertilizing will not compensate for poor planting
techniques or poor plant selection.
Trees can be purchased in three common forms, including bare-root,
container grown, or balled and burlapped. Bare-root trees tend to be
smaller, are easier to handle, and should be planted when dormant.
Container grown trees are grown in a soilless media, and can become root
bound if left in the container too long. Trees should be removed from the
pots, tease away the soil to find the root flare, and disturb or slice the
roots in order to discourage a circular pattern of root growth. The soil
should be amended by adding up to 1/3 by volume of organic matter to native soil. The organic matter can be in the form of humus, aged manure, peat moss, or a combination.
Balled and burlap trees are field grown trees, and can sometimes be heavy and difficult to move. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root
system to encourage lateral root growth. The root flare should also be
identified and be used to determine the depth of planting. The root flare
should be at or just slightly above ground level.
The burlap should be removed from around the trunk along with all the
twine after the tree has been placed in the hole. If there is a wire basket,
remove at least the upper 1/3 of the wire, again, after the tree is in the
ground.
Water the tree thoroughly to soak the entire root ball. Apply mulch to a
depth of 2-3² keeping it away from the trunk. Remove all tags and labels.
Stake the tree and wrap the trunk only if necessary. And in the next growing season, remember to remove these items.
For additional information on plant selection and proper planting, check
out OSU Extension Bulletin 845, "Selecting and Planting Trees" at
Source: OSU Extension's "Buckeye Yard and Garden Line."
Emergency Management tornado season tips.
Tornado season in Ohio begins in April and continues through July.
Historically, the month of April has the lowest number of tornadoes
during the season, with 121 tornado sightings during this month between 1940 and 2009. June usually has the highest number of tornadoes during the four-month season, with a total of 204 June sightings during the same
69-year time frame. It is essential that all Ohioans are prepared for this
type of natural disaster.
The following tips are taken directly from the Ohio Committee for Severe
Weather Awareness website and provide guidance for actions to take at home and while traveling or away from a sturdy shelter. Please visit this website for additional information on weather safety in Ohio.
Tornado safety tips
Whether practicing a tornado drill or sheltering during a tornado
warning, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages everyone to DUCK:
D - Go DOWN to the lowest level
U - Get UNDER something
C - COVER your head
K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
Be prepared for severe weather before a storm watch or warning is issued. Meet with household members to develop a disaster plan to respond to all hazards, including tornado watches and warnings. Conduct regular tornado drills. Know how to turn off the water, gas and electric at the main switches.
If you are a person with special needs, register your name and address
with your local emergency management agency, police and/or fire departments before any natural or man-made disaster occurs.
The NOAA Weather Radio has alerting tools available for people who are
hearing impaired. Some weather radio receivers can be connected to an
existing home security system, similar as a doorbell, smoke detector or
other sensor.
For additional information, visit NWS NOAA Weather Radio at
The safest place to be during a tornado is a basement. If the building
has no basement or cellar, go to a small, centrally located room on the
lowest level of the building, such as a bathroom, closet or interior
hallway.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and
go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile
homes, even if tied down, offer little or no protection from tornadoes.
If you are outside with no shelter, lie in a nearby ditch or depression
and cover your head with your hands. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge. You will be exposed to stronger winds and flying debris.
Source: Aletha I. Reshan, OSU Extension Emergency Management Planning and Education Program Coordinator.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for
Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County. Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.
Trees that are planted correctly will have a "leaf-up" on those that are not. Planting is one of the most important cultural practices that can determine the trees success or failure. To get the most satisfactory performance from trees, attention must be given to planting details.
Choosing quality plants and following good cultural practices such as watering, pruning, and fertilizing will not compensate for poor planting techniques or poor plant selection.
Trees can be purchased in three common forms, including bare-root, container grown, or balled and burlapped. Bare-root trees tend to be smaller, are easier to handle, and should be planted when dormant.
Container grown trees are grown in a soilless media, and can become root bound if left in the container too long. Trees should be removed from the pots, tease away the soil to find the root flare, and disturb or slice the roots in order to discourage a circular pattern of root growth. The soil should be amended by adding up to 1/3 by volume of organic matter to native soil. The organic matter can be in the form of humus, aged manure, peat moss, or a combination.
Balled and burlap trees are field grown trees, and can sometimes be heavy and difficult to move. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root system to encourage lateral root growth. The root flare should also be identified and be used to determine the depth of planting. The root flare should be at or just slightly above ground level.
The burlap should be removed from around the trunk along with all the twine after the tree has been placed in the hole. If there is a wire basket, remove at least the upper 1/3 of the wire, again, after the tree is in the ground.
Water the tree thoroughly to soak the entire root ball. Apply mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches keeping it away from the trunk. Remove all tags and labels.
Stake the tree and wrap the trunk only if necessary. And in the next growing season, remember to remove these items.
For additional information on plant selection and proper planting, check out OSU Extension Bulletin 845, "Selecting and Planting Trees" at http://ohioline.osu.edu/b845/b845_3.html.
Source: OSU Extension's "Buckeye Yard and Garden Line."
Emergency Management tornado season tips.
Tornado season in Ohio begins in April and continues through July.
Historically, the month of April has the lowest number of tornadoes during the season, with 121 tornado sightings during this month between 1940 and 2009. June usually has the highest number of tornadoes during the four-month season, with a total of 204 June sightings during the same 69-year time frame. It is essential that all Ohioans are prepared for this type of natural disaster.
The following tips are taken directly from the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website and provide guidance for actions to take at home and while traveling or away from a sturdy shelter. Please visit this website for additional information on weather safety in Ohio.
Tornado safety tips
Whether practicing a tornado drill or sheltering during a tornado warning, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages everyone to DUCK:
D - Go DOWN to the lowest level
U - Get UNDER something
C - COVER your head
K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed
Be prepared for severe weather before a storm watch or warning is issued. Meet with household members to develop a disaster plan to respond to all hazards, including tornado watches and warnings. Conduct regular tornado drills. Know how to turn off the water, gas and electric at the main switches.
If you are a person with special needs, register your name and address with your local emergency management agency, police and/or fire departments before any natural or man-made disaster occurs.
The NOAA Weather Radio has alerting tools available for people who are hearing impaired. Some weather radio receivers can be connected to an existing home security system, similar as a doorbell, smoke detector or other sensor.
For additional information, visit NWS NOAA Weather Radio at
The safest place to be during a tornado is a basement. If the building has no basement or cellar, go to a small, centrally located room on the lowest level of the building, such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little or no protection from tornadoes.
If you are outside with no shelter, lie in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass or bridge. You will be exposed to stronger winds and flying debris.
Source: Aletha I. Reshan, OSU Extension Emergency Management Planning and Education Program Coordinator.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County. Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.
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