Trees: Smaller is Often Better

It’s quite often I hear comments such as “what is the biggest tree I can get” or “I will be dead before the tree is large enough to create an impact.” When deciding on a new tree to plant, my advice is always the same; if you want a big tree fast, plant a small one. It is common for a large tree to undergo a prolonged period of transplant shock or slow growth after being planted. This period of stagnancy can typically last several years. On the other hand, smaller trees planted at the same time will experience a shorter period of reduced vigor and in fact, may surpass the larger tree in size before the larger tree has fully recovered its normal growth rate. The reason for this difference involves the balance between the above and below ground portions of the tree. When a tree is dug for transplanting, as much as 98 percent of its root system is left behind. When transplanted, often less than 5% of the absorbing roots are moved with the tree. While that's true for both large and small trees, larger trees lose a much greater mass and lateral spread of roots than smaller trees. Because roots of large and small trees grow at the same rate (roughly 18-inches a year) it takes the large tree several years longer to regain the size of its original root system. Thus, large trees often experience a long period of slow top growth after replanting. This period of slow growth should be expected since the tree is being supported by such a limited root system. During this time, the cut-off root system is unable to supply the necessary amount of nutrients and water needed for normal growth. This extended period of reduced vigor often results in worry for the survival of the tree. During this time the tree is susceptible to drought and insect attack. This is one reason adequate watering and other maintenance is critical after replanting. A 4-inch diameter tree and a 10-inch diameter tree planted at the same time will be of equal size after 13 years. This is because the total amount of the root system need for replacement is much more for the 10-inch tree. Even though similar percentage of roots are removed, the 4-inch tree will have reestablished the original root system at the end of 5 years. The 10-inch tree however will take 13 years to replace the roots lost at transplanting. Because the small tree has had several years of vigorous growth while the larger tree was under stress, the smaller tree actually overtakes the large tree in growth by the time the larger tree has restored its root-shoot balance.  And shelling out the big bucks for a large specimen is sometimes not worth the money. Younger trees are easier to plant, less expensive and studies show that they adjust better to new growing conditions, re-establish themselves, and recover from transplanting much more quickly and easily than bigger trees. You may not see your baby tree turn into one of those incredible kings of the forest that we all imagine, but a young tree is like a child, fun to watch mature and develop. Pretty soon it will be a fixture in your landscape before you realize it.

June 2017: Siouxland Seedless Cottonwood  July 2020: Same tree three years later

In the market for a new tree? Click for more information on why Bigger isn't Better

Bleating Around the Bush

Have you heard that goats are nature's green garbage disposals, capable of eating 10 pounds of leaf litter a day? Goats will demolish buckthorn, poison ivy, English ivy, Chinese privet and pretty much any green thing they can reach. There are very few plants that will upset the stomach of these ruminant mammals. Vegetation taller than breast height may be out of reach for these little animals. However, if hungry enough, goats will climb shrubbery in an attempt to bend and knock down taller greens. This lawn care service requires no fossil fuels (besides goat transportation) or chemicals. Plus, goats provide fertilizing as they go, and their hooves are gentle on the soil. So next time you are considering tackling weeds on a steep hill, you may want to enlist the goats.  For more information on how grazing goats are helping eradicate invasive buckthorn!

Buckles, Chalupa, Mallemar, Ms. Bo Peep and Skittles are just a few of the celebrity goats that clean up invasive species.

Creamy Dill Potato Salad Ingredients 3 lbs small red potatoes ½ cup chopped fresh dill 1 cup diced red onion 2 cups diced celery 1 cup mayonnaise ¼ cup buttermilk 2 T Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 2 T whole grain mustard

Instructions Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes with skins on. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Dice when cool. Mix together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon, whole grain mustard, salt, pepper. Add potatoes, celery, dill, and onion to mayonnaise mixture.

Thanks for Reading and Happy Planting! Faith Faith Appelquist President & Founder