Tree Selection and Planting Flashcards

How long does a transplanted tree typically require to fully establish in a new planting site?

Answer: Approximately one year per inch of trunk diameter

The accepted guideline is approximately one year of establishment time per inch of trunk caliper, meaning larger trees require proportionally longer establishment periods.

Tree support stakes installed at the time of planting should generally be removed:

Answer: Once the tree can stand upright without support, typically within 1–2 years

Stakes should be removed as soon as the tree can stand independently because long-term staking prevents the development of trunk taper and structural wood strength.

Supplemental irrigation for a newly planted tree can MOST appropriately be reduced when:

Answer: Roots have expanded well beyond the original root ball into native soil

Once roots have extended into the surrounding native soil, the tree has access to a much larger water reservoir and irrigation frequency can safely be reduced.

Fertilization of a newly planted tree is MOST appropriate:

Answer: After at least one full growing season of establishment

Fertilizing before establishment can cause salt stress and root injury; waiting until the root system is established prevents these risks.

Which irrigation approach is MOST effective at promoting establishment in newly planted trees?

Answer: Slow, deep watering that wets the entire root zone

Slow, deep watering wets the full root zone and encourages roots to grow deep into the soil profile, promoting greater stability and drought resistance.

Anti-desiccant sprays are sometimes applied to newly planted trees primarily to:

Answer: Reduce water loss through transpiration from leaf surfaces

Anti-desiccants form a thin, temporary film on leaf surfaces that reduces transpirational water loss, helping transplanted trees survive the stress of reduced root function.

The PRIMARY reason tree wraps are applied to the trunks of newly planted trees is to:

Answer: Protect thin bark from sunscald, frost cracking, and equipment damage

Tree wraps protect thin-barked young trees from sunscald, frost cracks, and mechanical injury from lawn equipment, which can create entry points for decay organisms.