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| Green & Growing - Trees: cutting, planting, & leaves (December 2005) |
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By Bob Tracinski, master gardener
Dear G&G: If I were Paul Bunyan I wouldn’t worry about using my new chain saw. How do I make sure the tree falls where I want?
Dear Timid Timber: Paul Bunyan swung his axe in a wild forest. You may be working in a more suburban setting. If a tree is huge and near power lines and buildings, it might be better to hire an insured professional tree service.
If you think you have the stuff of legend, then follow these steps: Clear an escape route so you won’t trip on vines and underbrush when the tree comes crashing down. Check the lean of the tree and drop it in the direction its weight will carry it. Be sure there’s nothing in the way, like your neighbor’s new pickup truck.
On the side where the tree is to fall, cut through the trunk about 1/3rd of the way as close to the ground as possible. Then make another diagonal cut above the first one to remove a kind of V-shaped notch. This is the hinge that will close and determine the direction of fall. On the other side of the tree, make another horizontal cut about 2 inches above the first cut, leaving some heartwood to help control the speed of the fall. Oh, yeah, and yell “Timber!” as loud as you can as you run in the opposite direction. Later you can tell tall tales of your exploits.
Dear G&G: My father used to plant trees in a hole just big enough for the root ball, but my neighbor tells me I should dig a much bigger hole. Who’s right?
Dear Doubting Digger: Both. In heavy clay soil, it’s best to dig a hole that’s just a little bigger than the tree’s root ball so the roots can force their way into the surrounding wall of clay immediately. For other kinds of soil, it’s better to dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball.
Here are more tips for successful tree planting: Choose a site with good drainage. Set the tree in the hole slightly higher than
its original level. Remove the burlap or plastic wrapping before placing the root ball into the hole. Fill in with loose soil until the hole is about three-fourths full, then pour in some water to settle the dirt. Continue filling the hole, but leave a slight basin to catch water.
Dear G&G: Why can’t we wait until late fall and clear leaves just once?
Dear Efficiency Expert: It may seem like a waste of time, but clearing leaves is important. In fall, grass plants go through a change. They use sunlight to create sugars that are stored in the root system over the cold months so there’s plenty of food to power a surge of growth in spring. That’s why it’s wise to clear leaves once a week, so the green grass blades can bask in the sun and make food. Mother Nature has her own schedule.
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