Tree-Planting Tips

Gardening expert Rebecca Koll shares tree-planting tips.

'Regal Prince', a hybrid, grows faster than many species oaks and is resistant to oak wilt.

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It would be wonderful to plant an oak tree and see it to maturity, but oaks have the reputation of being very slow growers, and they also can be susceptible to oak wilt, a disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt. The disease has been found in 21 states in the U.S. However, a new cultivar grows faster than most species oaks and is resistant to oak wilt and also to borers and powdery mildew. 'Regal Prince', a hybrid oak, develops a strong, upright-oval silhouette similar to a 'Bowhall' red maple. It has bold, dark green leaves that provide glossy summer foliage, and it grows in a variety of soil types.

Whether you choose 'Regal Prince' or another tree, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Select the right spot for the tree; research what type of soil and sun exposure your tree will prefer. Oaks like full sun. Also, before digging, check for any underground wires.
Give the tree ample room to grow. 'Regal Prince' oak grows to approximately 35 feet tall with a 13-foot spread. Position it so it doesn't block any portion of your house.

Figure A

Dig a hole that's about three to four times as wide as the rootball but not as deep (figure A).

Position the root flare, which is the first root that grows out horizontally, two inches below the soil surface, but no deeper.

Loosen the tree roots before planting them. This will help expand roots that are constricted from being in a container.

Figure B

Once you are sure of the root flare placement, start filling in the hole with soil (figure B).

After most of the soil is replaced, water the tree. This will allow the soil to settle so you can determine if more soil is needed.

After the tree has been planted, add mulch. Spread the mulch around the tree, creating a "saucer" effect to capture rainwater and direct it toward the root system.

Protect the thin bark of new tree trunks from blistering in winter sun by placing a plastic or paper collar around the trunk. 'Regal Prince' oak tree is disease resistant and hardy, but it's a good idea with any new tree to protect the young bark. Leave the collar on until spring.