How to Plant a Tree in the San Fernando Valley (Without Killing It!)

If you’re looking to add a little greenery to your home in the San Fernando Valley, you may be considering planting a tree. Trees can provide shade, beauty, and can even help to improve air quality. But before you head to your local nursery, you should know a few things about tree planting in this region of California. If you need help or any guidance about tree planting then please give Burbank Tree Experts a call!

Here is the best process to ensure your next tree is planted correctly and doesn’t die!

Choose the Tree Location.

The first step is to choose a location for your tree. It’s essential to pick a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Otherwise, your tree may not thrive.

Before you plant, it’s important to be aware of what’s above and below ground. Make sure to look for overhead power lines and underground utility lines, so you don’t accidentally damage them when you start digging.

If you do need to plant beneath power lines, tall trees will require constant pruning to keep branches a safe distance from the wires. This constant pruning can result in a less attractive and less vigorous tree (and more trouble for you and your utility company). A tall growing tree planted underneath power lines can become a severe public safety hazard and a significant hassle for service providers, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Remember that a tree’s root spread is often much larger than its canopy spread, so always give yourself plenty of clearance when planting. By being aware of what’s going on both above and below ground, you can help ensure a successful planting project.

Digging the Hole and Backfilling.

Anytime you plan on digging—whether for a new garden bed, fence post, or even just planting a tree—it’s important first to call your local utility company. They will send someone to mark the location of any underground lines, such as gas, water, sewer, or electricity. This is extremely important, as even a tiny bump with a shovel can cause serious damage to the lines. Not to mention, hitting a gas line could create a dangerous situation. So, before you start digging, always call your utility company first! It’s a simple step that could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Well-drained soils are ideal for most trees, but poorly drained sites can be challenging to grow in. When selecting a site, consider the tree’s root system. Balled and burlapped and container-grown trees have roots confined to a small space, so they require a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the tree’s rootball. The depth of the hole should be 2 or 3 inches less than the height of the rootball. Sloping the holes’ sides will help prevent water from pooling around the tree. Poorly drained sites are more likely to experience waterlogging, so it is essential to plant in a hole that is 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the tree’s rootball. The depth of the planting hole should be approximately two-thirds of the height of the rootball. This will help to prevent water from collecting around the tree’s roots. When backfilling, place soil to the top of the rootball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line.

Digging the Hole and Backfilling.

Anytime you plan on digging—whether for a new garden bed, fence post, or even just planting a tree—it’s important first to call your local utility company. They will send someone to mark the location of any underground lines, such as gas, water, sewer, or electricity. This is extremely important, as even a tiny bump with a shovel can cause serious damage to the lines. Not to mention, hitting a gas line could create a dangerous situation. So, before you start digging, always call your utility company first! It’s a simple step that could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Well-drained soils are ideal for most trees, but poorly drained sites can be challenging to grow in. When selecting a site, consider the tree’s root system. Balled and burlapped and container-grown trees have roots confined to a small space, so they require a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the tree’s rootball. The depth of the hole should be 2 or 3 inches less than the height of the rootball. Sloping the holes’ sides will help prevent water from pooling around the tree. Poorly drained sites are more likely to experience waterlogging, so it is essential to plant in a hole that is 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the tree’s rootball. The depth of the planting hole should be approximately two-thirds of the height of the rootball. This will help to prevent water from collecting around the tree’s roots. When backfilling, place soil to the top of the rootball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line.

Watering Your New Tree.

When you first plant a tree or shrub, giving it plenty of water is important as it adjusts to its new environment. Water the tree or shrub daily for the first two weeks after planting. Then, for the next three to twelve weeks, water every two to three days. Once the roots are established, you can water them weekly. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure that it is dry enough to need watering. You don’t want to overwater, as this can damage the roots and prevent the tree or shrub from taking up water properly. Following these watering guidelines will help your newly planted tree or shrub thrive.

Conclusion.

When planting a tree in the San Fernando Valley, it’s important first to consider the climate and soil type of your area. The San Fernando Valley has a Mediterranean climate, meaning the winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry. Make sure to plant trees that are adapted to this climate!