Planting a Rare Japanese
Umbrella Pine
Planting a tree can be a rewarding experience, especially when it's a unique species like the Japanese umbrella pine. Dale Skaggs and Kyle McLane from The Dixon Gallery and Garden show how to plant this slow-growing but resilient tree.
1. Choosing the Right Spot: Start by selecting a suitable location for your Japanese umbrella pine. They like full sun but appreciate some afternoon shade on hot summer days. Ensure the soil is rich and well-draining, providing an optimal environment for growth.
2. Preparing the Hole: When digging the hole for your tree, remember the mantra: "wide, not deep." Make the hole about twice the width of the root ball to allow adding amendments and allowing the roots to easily grow out.
3. Handling the Tree: Be gentle when handling a ball and burlap tree. Always hold it from the ball to prevent damage. Carefully place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight and properly positioned.
4. Removing Burlap and Rope: If the tree is wrapped in synthetic rope, make sure to remove it entirely, as it doesn't biodegrade. For burlap, which helps hold the soil and roots together, peel it back from the base of the tree and tuck it into the hole.
5. Adding Soil Amendments: Enhance the soil around the tree by adding amendments such as composted pine bark, red sand, composted cow manure, and worm castings. These amendments provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.
6. Mixing Soil: Before filling the hole, mix the native soil with the amendments thoroughly. This ensures a uniform blend. When adding the soil back into the hole make sure there are no air pockets by stepping on the backfilled soil.
7. Watering: After planting, give the tree a thorough watering, even if you have an irrigation system. Use a water breaker attachment to ensure a gentle but thorough soaking. During the first year water the tree if needed, especially during the first summer to help it establish.
8. Mulching: Finally, rake mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid covering the trunk with mulch to prevent rot.
By following these steps, you can ensure the successful planting and establishment of a Japanese umbrella pine or any ball and burlap tree. Remember to monitor the tree's progress and provide ongoing care as needed to help it thrive in its new home.
Related Videos:
Japanese Maple Basics
Planting a Tree
Use Red Sand in Your Garden: Get Better Drainage
Related Resources:
Sciadopitys verticillata, Japanese Umbrella Pine
Umbrella-Pine (Japanese Umbrella-Pine), Sciadopitys verticillata
1. Choosing the Right Spot: Start by selecting a suitable location for your Japanese umbrella pine. They like full sun but appreciate some afternoon shade on hot summer days. Ensure the soil is rich and well-draining, providing an optimal environment for growth.
2. Preparing the Hole: When digging the hole for your tree, remember the mantra: "wide, not deep." Make the hole about twice the width of the root ball to allow adding amendments and allowing the roots to easily grow out.
3. Handling the Tree: Be gentle when handling a ball and burlap tree. Always hold it from the ball to prevent damage. Carefully place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight and properly positioned.
4. Removing Burlap and Rope: If the tree is wrapped in synthetic rope, make sure to remove it entirely, as it doesn't biodegrade. For burlap, which helps hold the soil and roots together, peel it back from the base of the tree and tuck it into the hole.
5. Adding Soil Amendments: Enhance the soil around the tree by adding amendments such as composted pine bark, red sand, composted cow manure, and worm castings. These amendments provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.
6. Mixing Soil: Before filling the hole, mix the native soil with the amendments thoroughly. This ensures a uniform blend. When adding the soil back into the hole make sure there are no air pockets by stepping on the backfilled soil.
7. Watering: After planting, give the tree a thorough watering, even if you have an irrigation system. Use a water breaker attachment to ensure a gentle but thorough soaking. During the first year water the tree if needed, especially during the first summer to help it establish.
8. Mulching: Finally, rake mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid covering the trunk with mulch to prevent rot.
By following these steps, you can ensure the successful planting and establishment of a Japanese umbrella pine or any ball and burlap tree. Remember to monitor the tree's progress and provide ongoing care as needed to help it thrive in its new home.
Related Videos:
Japanese Maple Basics
Planting a Tree
Use Red Sand in Your Garden: Get Better Drainage
Related Resources:
Sciadopitys verticillata, Japanese Umbrella Pine
Umbrella-Pine (Japanese Umbrella-Pine), Sciadopitys verticillata