Deciduous Trees: Your Questions
When can I plant trees and shrubs?
You can plant container-grown plants anytime from spring until late fall. In spring, plant after the risk of heavy frost is over. Containerized plants have a full root system, therefore there is minimal transplant shock. Plant bare root stock when plants are dormant: in spring or late fall. Most balled & burlapped plants will do better if planted before mid-summer.
How much do I water my newly planted tree/shrub?
Watering really depends on the needs of each individual plant. In general, however, deep watering once or twice a week is usually enough, more often during hot weather. Allow water to trickle slowly into the root ball and surrounding soil. To reduce transplant shock, use a root starter fertilizer in your water, ideally at planting time. Be sure to monitor the soil in and around the root ball every couple of days. If the root ball feels dry about 1 in. (2.5cm) deep, water the rooting area deeply using a slow trickle. It is normal for newly planted trees to wilt during a warm day and recover at night. Sometimes the tree will appear wilted for several days. Do not panic but continue this monitoring /watering practice. Mulch the rooting area to prevent the soil-drying effects of sun and wind. Starting in September, allow new growth to harden before winter by watering less often. Water deeply only once about every 2-3 weeks. In late fall, supply plenty of water just before freeze-up and cover root balls with extra mulch to keep them frozen though winter.
What plant hardiness zone is Calgary and area?
In general, we are located in a Chinook area within zone 3a. However, our location in the foothills east of the Rocky Mtns. means climatic conditions vary alot depending on your exact location . Even wthin your own yard, you may have several micro-climates. Choose mainly zone 2 or zone 3 trees/shrubs for the Calgary area. Zone 4 trees and shrubs may also be planted but these will need protected sites. Please ask our staff for advice.
When should I prune my trees?
Prune young trees to create strong, even, branching. When these trees mature they will need very little pruning. If pruning is necessary, the rule of thumb for most trees is: Prune during the dormant season, November-March. However, there are some exceptions. Birch and maple should be pruned in early to mid-summer to prevent heavy bleeding (loss of sap). Diseased, damaged, or dead wood should be removed on sight regardless of season. Good books on pruning are available for the do-it- yourselfer, otherwise it is wise to contact a certified arborist. For other tips please see our Pruning section.
Is it necessary to fertilize my trees?
Many factors affect tree growth. First, make sure your trees have the growing conditions they need. More important than fertilizing is to water your trees deeply to encourage deep roots. Most mature trees have extensive root systems with the ability to absorb most of the necessary nutrients. Trees benefit most when feeding is done early in the growing season. In spring apply a granular, water soluble, or slow-release fertilizer. Mature trees sometimes require deep root feeding and watering by injecting nutrients and water about 6 in. (15cm) below ground level. Avoid fertilizing after July so that soft growth hardens before winter. Different trees have different needs so please ask our staff for advice. Do not over fertilize as this can result in root damage, leaf burn, and/or insect and disease problems. Reduce the need to fertilize by building healthier roots: Ask about Myke Tree and Shrub growth supplement.
How do I prevent my tree from suckering?
Some trees naturally send up shoots from the root system.Existing suckers must be controlled by pruning them to the ground. However, one of the main causes of suckering is a shallow root system which is susceptible to damage from cultivation, drying out or freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch the root zone to reduce these types of damage. Encourage a deep root system by watering roots deeply but not frequently. Avoid subjecting trees to heavy pruning, trunk damage, lack of water or shallow watering, as each of these may also cause a tree to sucker.
I am looking for a fruit tree and I am wondering what will give me the best production and quality of fruit?
There are many fruit trees available and they are very popular as new yards are smaller. Apples, applecrabs and crabapples give you the best quality and the highest consistent yields of fruit. apricots, pears, and plums are also very hardy in Calgary, but fruit can be inconsistent due to late spring frosts which damage flower buds. Please see Fruit Trees Section
What trees grows well in a very moist area?
Most trees grow better in well-drained soil because roots need a mixture of air and water. Therefore, it is better to improve drainage by building up the area with topsoil before planting or draining excess water to a lower area. Trees suitable for moist, well-drained soil include birch, elm, poplar, ash (Mancana, Northern Gem, Northern Treasure), willow and white spruce.
