Planting and Care Guide: Alamosa Trees

This guide shows tips on tree planting and care.  Best practices for tree planting and care evolve over time as more is learned through research.

When to plant

The best time to plant a tree is during the dormant season in the fall after leaf drop but before winter or in early spring before bud break. While trees can be planted in the summer, they require more irrigation and their energy goes into new top growth at the expense of establishing roots.

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(Courtesy of The International Society of Arboriculture)

Steps in Planting
Tree Selection

Site Preparation

Planting

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An example from my yard. Ten years ago I didn't know about
girdling roots and planted a Robinson Crabapple tree. It did
well for several years, but in year 7 one major branch died,
and the next year the tree was pitiful.  I only saw the cause when
I dug it up. It literally choked to death.

Mulching

Protection

Maintenance