Presentations Offer Information On Tree Planting, Pruning

By Bill Vander Weele

Area residents gathered tips about proper tree planting and pruning during a presentation held at the Neubauer Tree Farm near Wolf Point on April 11.

Patrick Plantenberg of the Montana Urban and Community Forrestry Association provided the information to the interested participants. Plantenberg held similar presentations in Glasgow, Westby, Malta and Winnett during April.

“I’m trying to spread the word,” Plantenberg said prior to the event. He explained that the reason for the workshops “is to get out the information.”

He explained that 70 percent of trees are not planted properly because they usually are planted too deep. The trees won’t necessarily die, but they won’t thrive.

He said that it’s better to plant a tree too shallow than too deep. The first root needs to be at or above the soil surface especially in clay soils.

“If it looks like a telephone pole in the ground, it’s too deep,” Plantenberg said. It’s important to expose roots to some air and water.

When planting a tree, individuals should establish a 4-inch deep trench so water can get to the tree and wood chips don’t blow away. He suggested using wire and fence posts to hold the tree down.

“And I’m encouraging roots to stay near the surface,” Plantenberg said.

He added that grass takes away 70 percent of the moisture, so the goal is to keep the grass away from your tree.

Plantenberg shared that