Planting trees was one of the topics on the Garden Guys show on March 18, 2007. Read on so you can develop a flair for planting trees. The secret is the tree trunk's flare.
(By the way, the Garden Guys' program is now streamed" which means that if you are away from the local airwaves that carry their show, you can hear it live from anywhere by clicking on the little radio on their website, www.garden-guys.com. So now every Sunday from 8 to 10 am you can hear The Garden Guys through any online computer, even if you are in Europe or Nebraska! Great news, and thanks for implementing this, WHJJ!
Most important is FLARE CARE. Trees are ALIVE and need to BREATHE in their own way. Folks, the FLARE is where the TREE BREATHES. When the Garden Guys explained that the trunk flare had to be exposed, NOT covered with mulch, the caller with the tree question asked what the flare of a tree is. Here are some links to more information, and some great pictures.
- A Google search of "trunk flare" on the IMAGE tab turns up more than 20 pictures of trees that have been planted correctly (flare properly exposed) and incorrectly (no flare showing). You can click on the pictures to get larger images and more information about planting trees.
- Another Google search of "ROOT FLARE" on the IMAGE tab brings up more photos. This one of a lacebark elm is an absolutely beautiful example of the flare of a tree, growing naturally. I'd post my own photo of a root flare of one of my favorite trees in Providence, but they are currently under sodden snow that we all hope will melt without flooding us out again around here.
- "Volcano Mulching" is a terribly destructive practice, because it smothers the tree flare. The Providential Gardener is so concerned about this that the first posting was called "No No Volcano," which was followed by "No No Volcano #2." Nobody knows how this practice started, but many otherwise reputable landscape services will do this to your trees. Just because they are professionals doesn't mean that they are right about this. Speak up! Be good stewards of your trees. They are worth thousands of dollars (each! if they are of any size) and they deserve proper treatment.
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