What You Need to Know Before Planting Your Favorite New Tree

Planting a new tree can be exciting, but there are a few critical things to consider to ensure success. Here are some key points: 

1. Right Plant for the Right Place  

• Is the area sunny, partially shaded, or fully shaded? 

• Is the soil often wet? Is it wet only after heavy rain, or is it almost always dry? Does the site get steady rain? Is there standing water or dry conditions most of the time?  

Light and moisture are the first factors to address. Next is something many gardeners talk about but few actually do: test the soil before planting. 

Why Test the Soil? 

Soil testing provides accurate information about several factors: 

1. pH Level:  

• The pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. In Wisconsin, many plants and trees don’t thrive in soil with too high or too low pH levels due to nutrients becoming unavailable to the plant. This is often influenced by the parent material several feet down, which in Southeast Wisconsin is frequently limestone. 

1. Soil Composition:  

• The makeup of the soil includes sand, silt, and clay. Many beautiful trees and shrubs cannot tolerate clay soil because they hold a lot of water in the root zone, leading to root loss, root decay, and fungal issues. Spruces are particularly sensitive to this. 

Beyond these essential questions, the Certified Arborists at Wachtel Tree Science also look at individual nutrients and other factors such as salts. This helps us determine if the trees or shrubs you plan to plant will tolerate the nutrient levels present and if they will thrive under those conditions.  

Will Your Plants Thrive? 

• Minor Modifications: Most plants will thrive with a little help, like adding compost and mulch.  

• Drastic Changes: Others might need more significant adjustments depending on a soil test, such as using an acidifier to change pink hydrangeas to blue. 

• Regular Maintenance: Certain species may require annual treatments beyond a normal scope of care such as iron injections or specific foliar sprays to prevent chlorosis under high pH conditions 

With an emphasis on science, we can help make a planting plan for the best results for your trees. If you would like assistance in reviewing your site, soil, or plant choices, call us today to schedule a consultation. Your Wachtel Tree Science ISA Certified Arborist can discuss the size and scope of your project, starting with a visit and deciding if a soil test is appropriate. Let us help you ensure your new tree thrives in its new home! 

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