City Trees 2000
It is too late in the spring to plant most trees, however, balled trees can be planted almost any time of the year provided they are properly cared for, which generally means frequent and thorough watering.
A hole should be dug about one and a half times the diameter of the ball but no deeper than the ball so that the tree will be in the ground at the same height it was growing in the nursery before it was removed. Generally speaking, the parent soil from the hole should be shoveled back in to fill around the ball. A mixture of up to one third compost or better soil mixed with two thirds of the parent soil can be used to make the soil retain water and provide aeration. The upper third of the burlap and all wires and synthetic materials at the top of the ball should be removed.
The question of staking remains just that, a question. If the tree is properly planted and the soil firmed around the ball, there is no need for support. However, large trees should be staked.
A ring of soil mounded up about three inches high should be placed outside the fresh dirt of the newly planted tree, and that mound and the inner area covered with mulch such as wood chips, shredded bark, etc. The entire area should be thoroughly watered with the ring of soil serving to facilitate soaking the ball. During June, July, and August about 10 gallons of water need to be added weekly.
At the time of planting, the interior branches should be thinned, and all crossing and parallel branches removed. The main central leader should not be trimmed.
Since the upper foot of soil contains most of the roots, the roots of a tree that was planted too high will have a poorly developed root system and getting water to the roots will be very difficult. The roots of trees planted too deep will not be able to get enough oxygen and the tree may not survive. The piling up of mulch next to the base may cause stem bark rot and it also may cause the tree to produce undesirable sucker sprouts from its base.
In Tiffin, 200 balled trees were planted along the city streets last November and 75 more have been planted the past week. Their survival depends on the adjacent land owner for faithfully watering during the summer.
The city expects to plant 300 more trees this fall and next spring. The Tree Commission will depend on the adjacent land owners along city streets to call the Public Works Department or Percy Lilly requesting trees at their location. A member of the commission will examine the site and determine the kind of tree. The commission, along with Lowell Hetzel, our city arborist, will prepare a list for the replacement of the trees and stumps that were removed in 1999 and the first half of 2000.
Several trees will be planted in little Hedges Boyer Park and other parks will receive some attention. Six trees were planted by the city in Hedges Boyer Park for Arbor Day, 2000. New housing areas and businesses can request plantings. The Cottonwood- Birchwood areas will receive attention. The commission will listen to all suggestions.
I have a list of 82 large trees in Tiffin and Seneca County. This list notes their measurements, species and the names of the people reporting to me the location of the tree. The location of the tree is also recorded.
I believe that we will have a state record within our area. I have a publication for the Ohio State Records and the information that is needed to be included for submission of a tree for the state records. If any of our readers have any ideas about the location of large trees, please call me at 447-2896, and I will come and measure the tree. This list will be published in the Open Market sometime this fall.
The City has received several favorable comments about the flowering of our trees this spring. At this time, there are three noteworthy trees in flower. Lindens, and in particular the little leaf linden, with their small but abundant yellow flowers borne on a light green tongue-shaped structure can be seen throughout the city. The lindens are a source of honey. The only drawback is that the Japanese beetles like their leaves.
The most noticeable one is the Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac with its clusters of ivory white flowers. Two were planted adjacent to the Presbyterian Church and three more across Market Street by the Old Fort Bank. The oldest and best example can be seen on the south side of Ella Street near Sycamore Street. They may grow to be 30 feet high and are hardy in zones 3 – 8.
The third tree is the catalpa which is beginning to flower. This large tree has large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of large creamy flowers. Later it will have long seed pods. There is a fine example at the south end of Mohawk Street.
I look forward to hearing from our readers about large trees in their area. Even exotic trees are listed. A medium sized tree may still be a record for its species.
Percy