ZonaGardens Planting Guide

ZonaGarden’s Tree Planting Recommendations

1. We are bucking the “bigger is better” culture here, but in the case of planting trees, smaller is better. This is a little secret that most nurseries do not advertise and some may try to refute, but in most cases, it is much better to plant the smallest sized trees you can find. Not only do smaller trees cost less, they take less water to establish and are not as prone to root lodge (blowing over). In most cases, a 5 gallon sized tree will catch up to and even surpass the size of a 24” boxed specimen within a period of 1 to 3 years depending on the species of tree.

2. An exception to the smaller is better rule comes into play when using salvaged desert trees, which are trees that are saved from the developer’s blade. These trees, usually mesquites, palo verdes, and ironwoods, can be planted as large specimens for more instant impact.

In the case of foothills palo verdes and ironwoods, their slow deliberate growth makes planting smaller specimens impractical for all but those with the patience of Job. Because the process of salvaging a tree requires some root pruning and shaping of the top of the tree, it is important to remember that it is an injured plant and will require extra care to re-establish a healthy root system.

3. Those who tell you to dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep and to add lots of soil amendments to the backfill are wrong. Research from the University of Arizona has concluded that there is one tree planting method, sometimes called the “Tipton Method,” that is by far the best for growing vigorous healthy desert trees. Respected horticulturist Terry Mikel says, “This method has been tested under every soil type, every part of the country, and every condition imaginable with consistently positive results. Plantings all over the state [of Arizona] show it works.”

Planting method:

1. Dig a hole no deeper than the soil in the nursery container.
2. Dig the hole or loosen the soil three to five times wider than the container diameter. (About this time, you’ll be happy that you bought a smaller tree).
3. Add no organic amendments to the soil (don’t get too excited yet—you’ll apply the organic material later and more usefully.)
4. Apply a four to six inch layer of organic material on top of the soil as a cooling and insulating mulch for the roots.
5. For more information on the Tipton method, see University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Bulletin #AZ1022.

4. Always install a drip system to water your trees, even your native desert trees. It doesn’t have to have an automatic timer, but it should have a minimum of two valves, one for trees and large shrubs, and one for ground covers and smaller plants. To get your plants established and keep them looking good during times of drought, a good irrigation system is money well spent. A manual system may be better than an automatic one because it makes the gardener more conscious of the plants' watering needs rather than flying on autopilot.

  
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