Select a tree that will keep your landscape green all year long. Evergreen trees are easy to grow and provide excellent privacy for your landscape.
Select a tree that will keep your landscape green all year long. Evergreen trees are easy to grow and provide excellent privacy for your landscape.
Calgary Landscaping
There are several parts that make up the cost of planting a tree in your property. Costs may be included with your landscaping project or a minimum planting quantity may apply.
A smaller size tree will have an easier time establishing a new root system. After 3-5 years a smaller tree may be the same size as a tree that was planted one size larger and has struggled to root. Deciduous trees are selected by pot size or caliper size (measured 15cm up from the base.) Evergreen trees are selected by height and are measured from the ground up.
The chart above shows the weights of various size trees with the root ball & soil. Below the weight is the required tool or machine that is needed to properly move and install the tree. Access to the area where the tree is going to be planted will effect the size of tree that can be selected.
*Tree costs are estimated. An exact quote will be provided when ordering trees for your property. Cost includes: Initial tree cost at the nursery Delivery (Costs are spread out over each tree to reduce the cost per tree.) Installation Access (Tree size and planting location determines the labor costs involved.)
Soil preparation is essential before planting a tree. The soil should be well-drained and have the right pH for the species of tree being planted. To do this, the pH may need to be adjusted by adding lime or organic matter to the soil. Additionally, it's crucial to inspect the soil for compaction and loosen it if necessary. This will make it simple for the roots to firmly establish themselves in the ground.
Spreading a layer of mulch around a tree's base can aid in moisture retention, weed control, and root protection. Additionally, it helps maintain a more stable soil temperature. The layer of mulch should be between two and four inches thick, but it shouldn't reach the tree trunk. It is advised to use organic mulches like wood chips, bark, or leaves.
Twice a season a quick visual check of your trees will reveal problems related to pests and diseases. Note any indications of infestation or infection and take action to quickly remedy any problems found. This involves keeping an eye out for signs like discolored leaves, wilting, or odd growth patterns. If pests or illnesses are found, the proper treatment should be employed, such as the application of insecticides or fungicides. In order to improve overall tree health and lessen the likelihood of pests and diseases, it is also crucial to adopt preventative measures like adequate watering and fertilizer.
For trees to establish and develop a healthy root system they need a steady supply of water. In particular during dry weather, it's crucial to regularly and properly water the tree. The soil should always be kept moist but not soggy. The species, size, and weather conditions all affect how much water is needed. For the first growth season, it's a good idea to water newly planted trees once a week as a general rule.
With the use of effective pruning methods, trees can be shaped and kept structurally sound, dead or diseased branches can be cut away, and healthy growth can be encouraged. Pruning should be done in the dormant season to reduce the danger of disease and pests. To encourage healthy development, it's also crucial to use the right pruning methods, such as heading cuts and thinning cuts.
Trees can be planted throughout the Calgary growing season from April to October. The species of the tree can also determine the optimal time to plant. Water and soil conditions will have a greater impact on successful transplants than the month a tree is planted. If you are able select the best time to plant a tree April to June or September to October would be our choice. Cooler temperatures and slower tree growth occur in these months that help with water use and retention in the soil.
A general rule for watering trees is to apply 7 Liters per cm of caliper size ( Trunk diameter, noted above). For example a 40mm caliper tree requires 28 liters of water 2-3 times a week. This is best applied at a slow rate to encourage outward root growth. Water at the edge of the root ball ( called the “drip line” ) where the rain would drip on the outside edge of the branches, rather than on the trunk.
Note: Watering on the trunk can lead to mold or rot that damages the tree. The majority of feeder roots responsible for water uptake are located near the drip line in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.
The best thing you can do for your newly planted tree is to give it the correct amount of water on a consistent basis. This should be done in a cycle so that the roots and soil have time to dry out between applications. This will establish a strong root system, rather than applying the same amount of water every day.
Generally, trees should be watered about 2-3 times a week during the growing season. However, this really depends on weather conditions such as rainfall and temperature. Sometimes a tree may need more or less than this recommendation.
To test the soil push your fingers a couple of inches into the dirt beside the root ball of the tree. If the dirt is moist 2-3 inches down, then you are in good shape; if it is dry or you have a hard time pushing your fingers into the dirt you need to add water. How long you need to leave your irrigation system on to achieve this soil moisture will depend on how well your soil retains water so there is no hard-and-fast rule. Once you test the soil a few times setting the run time on your irrigation system will become clear.
Usually the watering time is about 7-12 minutes to accomplish this. Soil composition will vary with location so it is important to monitor the areas where you have planted new trees.
It is much easier to drown your tree than it is to have them die from lack of water.
Some symptoms of over watering or prolonged flooded soils include:
In the second year, you should still check to be sure the tree is receiving enough water, particularly during hot weather.
To conserve moisture and promote water and air penetration, the back filled soil surrounding newly-planted trees can be covered with mulch consisting of material such as bark or wood chips. Mulch depth should be between 3 to 4 inches and will have to be topped up as the mulch breaks down over time.
Tip: Leave a few inches around the trunk without mulch to prevent rot.
The best soil to back fill your new tree with is the soil that has been excavated. It is a myth that planting with, compost or peat moss will help establish a new tree. Soils that are too rich in nutrients can be harmful and may cause the root structure to stop growing past the planting hole. Soft soils can also hinder the ability of roots to properly anchor and can lead to uprooting during windy or rainy conditions.
No, not right away. Fertilizer consists of elements that will help tree growth, but it is not tree food. It is more relatable to vitamins and should be used correctly, especially with younger trees. Fertilizer can be applied in year 2 with a balanced mixture of (10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphate, potash)
We have planted thousands of trees and have extensive knowledge pertaining to growing conditions, soil and water requirements. We install high quality tree and plant material from our local supplier that we have worked with for over two decades. If you are looking to give your trees the best possible start in their new home trust Calgary Landscaping to install them correctly.
We provide professional landscape construction services focused in Calgary’s residential communities of:
Auburn Bay, Bayview, Bel Aire, Bragg Creek, Britannia, Canmore, Chinook Park, Cranston, De Winton, Discovery Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Elbow Park, Evergreen, Heritage Point, Lake Bonavista, Lakeview, Mahogany, Maple Ridge, Mckenzie Lake, Mountain Park, Oakridge, Palliser, Parkland, Pine Creek, Pump Hill, Riverstone, Sirocco, Willow Park, Woodbine, Woodlands and more.
