Garden Medley

It’s really hot out this year, which is a great reminder of how wonderful a shade tree can be in the back yard. It helps to keep your home cooler in times like this. It can also be good for those parts of your garden which do not want full sun.

You will probably want something that grows fast and gives a good amount of shade. Of course, if a tree grows quickly it is more likely to be short lived. You’ll have to pay attention to where you plant it too, as the roots may be rather aggressive. You don’t want to plant it near anything you don’t want the roots to get into.

Soil preparation is very important to trees. They aren’t as easy to get started as some may think. Despite that by the time you buy a tree it is a pretty good sized plant, it needs some help when you move it from a pot into your yard.

Dig out a hole bigger than the root ball of the tree you are going to plant. You’ll also want to work the soil from the hole over so that it is easier for the roots to spread. I would also recommend adding appropriate fertilizers, mulch and nutrients.

Of course, summer is not the best time to plant trees in most areas. It’s too hot and much harder to get enough water to the roots for the tree to properly establish itself quickly. If you want a shade tree, wait until fall, or better yet, winter through early spring.

Get instructions from the place you bought the tree on how best to plant it. You will generally need to water it immediately. Mulch around the base of the tree will help to keep water from evaporating.

Many trees like a nitrogen fertilizer, but you will want to have your tree well established first. Find out how much is the right amount for your tree. The fertilizer should have instructions on watering it down appropriately.

A shade tree is a great way to help your garden, as some plants prefer to have some shade during the day. I have certainly dealt with problems due to a lack of shade myself this summer.

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