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Horticulture Principles and Practices

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FIGURE 17–8 Planting a bareroot<br />

tree seedling.<br />

Backfill<br />

Berm<br />

Prune root if<br />

too long<br />

FIGURE 17–9 Planting a balled<br />

<strong>and</strong> burlapped tree seedling.<br />

Backfill<br />

Untie rope<br />

Cut away<br />

exposed burlap<br />

Cut burlap<br />

in several places<br />

case of burlapped seedlings, the ball is set in the hole before untying the ropes. A broken<br />

soil ball may result in the seedling’s death. The crown should also be set above the soil line.<br />

The burlap material is usually biodegradable <strong>and</strong> need not be removed before planting.<br />

Instead, only the overhanging top is trimmed off (Figure 17–9). The remainder of the space<br />

is filled with topsoil <strong>and</strong> patted firm. If the burlap material is not biodegradable, it must be<br />

removed by making a slit in the bottom of the wrapping <strong>and</strong> pulling it up after properly setting<br />

the seedling in the hole. Under no circumstances should a plant be planted at a depth<br />

lower than it was before transplanting. Plants are easily killed when seedlings are planted<br />

too deeply.<br />

It may be helpful to mark the original soil level on the seedling prior to transplanting.<br />

17.15 POSTPLANTING IMMEDIATE CARE<br />

Newly planted tree seedlings require immediate care to increase the chance of successful<br />

establishment. This care package includes the following:<br />

Berm<br />

A circular ridge of soil<br />

constructed around the<br />

base of a newly<br />

transplanted tree to hold<br />

water.<br />

1. Installing a berm. After firming the soil, a water-retaining wall or ridged<br />

structure called a berm may be installed by using the excess soil to form a ring<br />

around the trunk (Figure 17–10). This structure forms a basin to hold water<br />

around the base of the tree.<br />

2. Mulching. A mulch should be placed around the base of the stem to control<br />

weeds <strong>and</strong> retain moisture in the bare soil. Mulching also prevents the soil from<br />

cracking <strong>and</strong> aids in soil infiltration by water <strong>and</strong> rapid root development.<br />

3. Staking <strong>and</strong> anchoring (or guying). Balled <strong>and</strong> burlapped seedlings are often selfsupporting.<br />

Newly planted tree seedlings, especially bare-root seedlings, are<br />

prone to toppling by the wind. Without additional support, the tree may be tilted<br />

530 Chapter 17 Installation of the L<strong>and</strong>scape

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