tree question

[georgebushmoron]

Someone's giving me a full grown tree as a gift (I get to choose), maybe a dogwood, or a japanese maple or something like that.

I was told by somebody that it should only be planted in new soil in the spring or fall but never in the summer - or else it'll die.

Anyone with experience/knowledge can tell me what's up?

 

[Fudd]

Thought about maybe getting a fruit bearing tree of some sort. May be an apple or plum tree. That way you can get fresh fruit in the spring.

 

[Orpheus6]

If the gift involves digging up the tree/plant, make sure you get as much of the roofs as possible. Digging up the plant during summer is not the best time and often they go into shock or worst, die off. I tranplanted a 5 foot camilla plant couple of summers ago and it took 2 years and constant pruning to get it to recover. Make sure you use liquid transplant food and also buy japanese maple or dogwood food (depend on which plant you are getting). Make sure you water the plant often to prevent drying up. If the plant is already in a pot, then do the same thing as above.

good luck

 

[bob_knob]

The biggest mistake people make in transplanting trees is, air in the root system. This along with under-watering is the biggest cause of shock. You can transplant anytime of the year, just sometimes are easier than others.

A tree has to be “heeled” in hard. This eliminates air pockets. Use the end of your shovel to pack soil tightly under the root ball. Air kills roots. After planting and packing the soil, water heavy to further reduce air and increase soil compaction.

Another helpful trick is to, if possible, bring the tree’s native soil and line your tree hole with that.

 

[Very Veronica]

Lots of things to consider before you plant a tree but to answer your main question, yes you can plant in the summer although it's best to plant fall thru early spring. I planted 20 ft poplars this time last year & they're doing great. You must give the tree long deep waterings however and if the tree is out in the open, stake it to prevent movement which hinders root growth.

Other things to consider:

-do you want a small, medium or large tree
-slow growing or fast
-deciduous or evergreen (one that drops it's leaves or doesn't)
-a sprawling branch structure or columnar
-colour of foliage, bark, flowers, fruit are also things to consider
-while fruit trees sound like a good idea, they are prone to more disease/pests

Perhaps visit Van Dusen Gardens or for classic Asian inspiration, Nitobe at UBC or Sun Yat Sen in Chinatown. I'd go for dogwood though.

 

[CJ Tylers]

not entirely on topic...

But a tree falls in the forest, and if falls on a mime... does anyone care?

 

[georgebushmoron]

Excellent advice folks, thanks much to all of you, in particular Very Veronica, Orpheus, Bob_Knob.

I have yet to decide on a tree, but good to hear that dogwood would not be a bad choice. I like trees that have flowers on them, but the fruit-bearing ones sound like a good idea too.

Thanks all...