Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, everyone—aside from essential workers—was told to stay at home to avoid contracting the virus. Consequently, people tried finding new hobbies to entertain themselves during their extended time at home. For those lucky enough to own a huge backyard, caring for plants became something they found joy in during quarantine. Aside from planting flowers and crops, some people have also made use of their time to plant trees that will bear fruit in the future.
If you’re one of these lucky people with expansive yard space but are unsure how to go about utilizing it, you’re in luck—this article will take you through the steps of planting backyard trees.
What Are Backyard Trees?
Backyard trees can be any kind of as long as when they grow they continue to fit inside your designated space. However, there are certain kinds of trees recommended online that are easier to tame and take care of. A few examples of these are dogwood, American holly, eastern redbud, red oak, silver maple, etc. You can choose whatever type of tree you like as long as it gives you joy and happiness.
Benefits of Trees
Trees offer a lot of environmental benefits. Aside from giving shade and providing shelter to birds and other critters, trees also produce oxygen and filter the air from dust and particles that might cause illnesses and allergies, purifying the air around us. When there are storms, trees also prevent flooding and water runoff, which keep us safe and stabilize soil with their roots. Trees also help cool the environment, especially if there many of them in one place.
How to Plant Backyard Trees
Prepare Your Tools
Before mulching your soil and planting the seed, make sure you have all the equipment you need to plant your tree. Having your tools prepared and beside you will make the process easier. Likewise, wearing protective equipment will keep you from accidentally hurting yourself when handling your tools or any rough material in the soil like rocks.
Find the Right Spot
Before you plant your tree, plan out where you want to put it first. Decide which part of your garden you want it to be and evaluate whether that spot is the best place for it. Remember that your tree will soon grow to be bigger and taller than you, so you need to consider what the tree might cover in the near future and how much space it will need to flourish.
Dig a Hole for It
Dig a hole where you will place your seedling. Before doing so, make sure to research the recommended depth at which you should plant your chosen tree. Likewise, make sure there are no stumps and rocks so that it can freely spread its roots. Sometimes, stumps can be difficult to remove, which is why there are specialists like Tree Menders who can help you out with this difficult feat. Aside from this, they can also help maintain your tree in the future by trimming and pruning it. If you need more assistance, they can even plant the tree for you.
Prepare the Roots of the Tree
Be careful in handling the tree’s roots. These are what will help your tree grow big and beautiful. The roots will spread out through the dirt and collect all the nutrients your tree will need in the future. Depending on the type of tree you will be planting, learn how to properly spread out the roots or keep them wet before burying them on the ground.
Cover It Up and Tend to It
Once you’re finished putting your tree in place, carefully cover it with soil. It will take years for your tree to grow out as big as it’s supposed to, so the only thing you can do right now is to be patient and give it proper support. You can do this by diligently watering your tree and making sure it’s placed somewhere with enough sunlight. Likewise, make it a habit to remove weeds that grow near your tree so that your sapling won’t have to compete for the soil’s nutrients. Your patience and perseverance in growing and tending your tree will pay off in the future.
Planting and maintain trees is one of the best things you can do to help nature heal. While your goal is to beautify your home and surroundings, the impact it has on the environment will be evident. It is something a lot of people will be thankful for in the future.
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