Planting Trees
The planting of public shade and ornamental trees in our parks and on our streets is one of the most important tasks that the Springfield Park Department’s Forestry Division does to maintain the health and vigor of our beautiful city.
The Planting of trees in our city is very important. The trees that the city plants help:
- Provide Privacy
- Reduce Soil Erosion
- Reduce Air Pollution
- Provide Wildlife Habitat
- Provide Aesthetic Value to Our Streets
- Increase Property Values
- Provide Summer Cooling
- Create Sight, Wind, and Sound Barriers
- Sequester Carbon
To help beautify, increase green space, and add value to your property in Springfield - plant a tree. The following are some sound instructions for the survival of the tree you decide to plant.
Step 1. Site Selection
It is very important to place a tree in a place where it will thrive for years to come.
Avoid planting trees:
- Under Utilities lines
- Too close to buildings and sidewalks
- Where there isn’t sufficient area for crown and root growth
Step 2. Tree Selection
Start off right; select a tree of good stock from a local nursery. It is also important to pick the correct species of tree to fit the conditions of your property.
Select a tree that…
- Will not out grow the space provided
- Is Resistant to Insects and Disease
- Does not have poisonous fruit or thorny branches that may injure children
- Does not have competing/codominant leaders or poor branch unions
- Does not have deformities, dieback, or other issues
Step 3. Site Preparation
Preparing the site for planting includes:
- Calling your local Dig Safe for locating underground utilities
- Having the correct tools for the job
- Digging of hole to correct depth and 3x width of root ball
- Breaking up compacted soil
- Do not amend the soil (or strictly use natural amendments in low volume such as compost or biochar)
Step 4. Planting
Using correct planting practices is an important factor in the survival of your tree. After the planting hole is prepared and the tree is at the location:
- Lift tree into hole by burlap or wire basket, never by the trunk
- Remove burlap, wire basket, plastic container
- After positioning the tree in center of hole and vertical, begin to backfill
- Begin watering after some soil has been added to eliminate air pockets and prevent excessive settling
- Finish backfilling up to the trunk flare, and lightly tamp
- Follow up by soaking the area with gentle stream of hose
Step 5. After Care
After the proper procedures were used to plant your tree, the new tree will need some after care to ensure its survival for decades to come:
- Apply 3” to 4” of bark mulch around the tree, but not up to the trunk
- Prune only dead or broken branches
- Continue deep watering once or twice a week
- Do not apply fertilizer for first one to two years