Hi TGPTNDR, OT RE: "(Walnut, Cedar, Pine, Spruce, & Maple)"
Sounds very nice.
Re: Poplars
They are known to be a difficult tree because of their roots. City governments in the Bay Area will not plant this particular type of tree (because they have the ability to destroy city water pipelines).
Re: planting trees and encouraging the roots to stay below the surface
I would recommend installing a circular/hollow pipe vertically into the ground, approximately (off the top of my head) 1 foot away from the tree. The pipe should be about 1 foot in height and about 2 or 3 inches wide. I forgot the name of this water pipe, but this is what is used by tree experts in the Bay Area, which is known to be a drier area. The pipe is made of plastic material that does not stick out of the ground, which minimizes the risk of people tripping over it.
The roots will grow towards the base of this hollow pipe (which is where it will find the water), rather than up towards the surface. It's important to use this pipe when the tree is first planted, so the roots grow in the correct direction.
Regards,
Amy J
edit
Q: How important is the very early growth period immediately after planting?
A: It may be the most important period. If the (very top) soil stays dry for 15 days after seeding, the roots will grow downward (towards the base of the pipe, i.e. water the tree by pouring water through this pipe in order to keep the top soil dry - this way the tree's roots will grow downward, not upward). The plant will yield more, have less disease, and be more drought resistant. |
