As the planting season begins, it's good to know the proper way to get your new trees going, and to protect your landscaping investments.

Tree roots need moisture, air, nutrients, and a lot of space to grow. The roots of most trees spread through the top 12" of soil, (where the moisture, air, and nutrients are) but over a wide area around the trunk.

If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted.

(1) Select a site with enough room for roots and branches to reach full size. Avoid overhead and underground utilities.

(2) Prepare a planting area as deep as the root ball and 3-5 times its diameter by loosening the soil.

(3) Dig a hole in the middle of the area and set the root ball even with the ground level. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by the trunk or branches.

(4) Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball.

(5) Backfill the hole, tamping the soil firmly as you go, to remove air pockets. Be sure tree is planted straight.

(6) Stake the tree only if it is unable to stand up to high wind, or in danger of vandalism or heavy traffic.

(7) Spread a 3" layer of mulch on entire area, but not within 3" of tree trunk.

(8) Water - Water - Water!

For more information, or to learn how to become a TREE-mendous volunteer, contact: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, Tawes State Office Building E-1, Annapolis, MD, 21401. Phone: 410-260-8531 Fax: 410-260-8595 or visit the DNR's website .

Don't miss these other nature pages:

Control mosquitos naturally	Learn How Ponds Work
Discover Fair Hill	Raising Terrapins
Eagles in Maryland	The birds and the bees
Master Gardeners can help	Spring tree planting
Gardening on the Internet	The Great Blue Heron
The Pearl of Queenstown	The Merrill Center
Secrets for a Scented Garden