Planning a Tree: Dos and Don’ts for Successful Tree Planting

As the seasons turn, the monsoon arrives and the weather finally starts to cool down, it’s the perfect time to plant trees. Now that you have your sapling, what’s next? Plants need a push in the right direction to grow properly. All tree planting, including supplemental trees, must be done with care and in a manner that maximizes tree growth, survival and establishment.

News18 Network's 'One Tree Project' aims to mobilize every Indian to plant a tree as a measure to combat climate change, and as part of this campaign, we have listed down the dos and don'ts that will help you get started on the right foot, And give them the best chance of survival, keeping you safe in the process.

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• Choose trees with a purpose: You may be looking for fruit, rich fall color, spring flowers, shade, sound barrier, or many other advantages. Choose the appropriate tree based on your needs.
• Use organic fertilizers: Use organic fertilizers without artificial chemicals. They are much more effective than those containing synthetic ingredients. In addition to retaining nutrients more efficiently, they create a superior soil profile.
• Check the root: Before purchasing a plant, inspect the root ball if possible. Plants in plastic pots make it easy to check the roots before planting, which is not possible with bulbs and burlap plants. White or very light-colored roots are considered healthy; dark roots can be dangerous.
• Use appropriate equipment: Wear gloves and suitable shoes and other protective clothing. Use acceptable, hygienic and functional grow bags and tools.
• cover: Mulch is essentially a protective layer placed on top of the soil to provide protection. It nourishes the soil and trees by mimicking natural litter on the forest floor. Simply spread 2-4 inches of mulch onto the tree's drip line. Afterwards, you can relax and let your trees enjoy the rich nutrients.

Things not to do

• Plants too tall or too low: Trees rely on soil for water, minerals, nutrients, and support, so this means it’s not a good idea to plant them too high or with their roots exposed. But planting too low can also be harmful. Like humans, roots need oxygen to breathe. Planting low-growing plants not only causes root suffocation but also increases the likelihood of rot and disease.
• Trample the soil after planting: Many people can’t help but step on the soil to level it after planting. Avoid doing this! Once the soil has settled and covered all roots, make sure the tree gets enough water. Due to the action of water, the dirt will settle and become smoother. When you manually trample the soil with your feet, the soil becomes very compacted and drops below the ground level.
• Potted root system: The roots of the tree itself have the power to suffocate! How can this be? Roots left in pots for too long begin to spiral because they have nowhere to go. If the tree is planted exactly as it is, it will eventually suffocate as the roots continue to wrap around the trunk and intertwine. Prune or separate circling roots to stop the tree from committing suicide.
• Placing trees too close together: Give young trees five to ten feet of room to grow to prevent crowding. When evergreens are planted too close together, they become susceptible to disease and pests. If the trees don't get enough sunlight, some of them may even die.
• Avoid overwatering: Your tree will need a lot of water when first planted. But avoid overwatering after planting. The roots may become swamped due to overwatering. Heavy, infrequent watering will promote deep root development and drought resistance. During periods of drought, the tree may need a little more water.