Planting trees in the garden makes you a caregiver. By drawing similarities between the human body and your new plantings - growth may be improved.
The longer one works in the Green Industry the more one realizes just how much trees, while very different, have similarities to us. By relating these similarities to our human make-up, perhaps we can learn to better care for these Sentinels of the plant world.
Take for instance the human body – with the life supporting internal organs functioning within us – hopefully balanced to keep us in optimal working order. Then relate that image to the Tree. The first thing we might visualize is the beautiful structural form of an Oak, or the blazing fall color of the Tupelo. We fail to realize the internal structure or complex life function that goes on below ground. Perhaps we should ponder this more.
- Water is life sustaining. Trees need water to survive as we do – how much is a problem, which in terms of too much or too little is the most prevalent cause of tree demise in the landscape.
- When you plant a tree in the ground – you become a caregiver. If planted properly a tree has a pretty good chance of survival if it is watered properly. And while it can’t cry like a baby to let us know it’s in need, it will show signs of lack of subsistence. Leaf color will first dull to an off color and lose its sheen, then it will start to brown and crisp on the edges.
- Hot windy weather has the same effect on trees as it does on us. You know how the hot winds tend to parch us out – dry eyes and chapped lips. Remember that next time you’re inside the house to avoid the elements - water needs on trees can rise up to 50 percent or more during windy periods. So, you may want to turn on the irrigation system and let it run for a bit to compensate for the extra demand.
- Mulching the ground is the best thing you can do for a plant. You know how comforting a warm down blanket is for us on a cold night – if trees could show emotion they would indeed turn up their branches and smile for spreading a layer of mulch beneath them. Mulch moderates soil temperature, holds in moisture (diminishing application by 30 percent or more) and provides organics of soil improvement.
- While we have control over our nutrition, to an extent planted trees do not. In their natural environment trees are there because they are supposed to be. The supporting environment provides them with everything they need to live a harmonious life in term of soil moisture and soil composition. When we plant a tree from the nursery, we are taking a species from another environment and requiring it to thrive in what we have to offer.
- This is testament of the adaptability of trees-as most will do fine. And it is true that most soils - especially clay types, are usually rich in potassium and phosphorus, although nitrogen may be lacking at times. There is a tendency to over-fertilize. Plants will let us know if they are lacking in nutrients by abnormal leaf color and patterns in the leaves. If a plant looks healthy it is better to leave it alone as an over-fertilized plant can make it prone to problems.
In closing, by relating ourselves to the plant kingdom perhaps we will become better caregivers to these needy creatures. Next time you're out in your garden or landscape you are caring for, and you feel the need for a drink, or your belly growls for a bite to eat – think of your trees.
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