As the Hendricks County Soil & Water Conservation District annual Fall Tree Sale nears, planning your purchases can be advantageous.
Residents always should plan on drought as higher temperatures continue the current trend. One way to combat arid conditions is to adequately water new trees the first two years after planting.
Never dump water quickly, as ensuing run-off means less water reaches the roots. A slow seep ensures a good soaking.
If mulch is used, do not mound it around the tree trunk. Instead, the mulch should be no more than an inch or two thick around the perimeter and never heaped against the tree.
Mulching not only assists soil in retaining moisture, it keeps lawn mowers and grass trimmers at a distance. Many trees have endured assaults from those two impatient machines and their operators, adversely affecting healthy growth. Instances of this happening are common.
Numerous sources readily provide specific tree information. Indiana Wildlife Federation’s website, for example, has a page devoted to native tree descriptions, https://www.indianawildlife.org/wildlife/native-plants/#Trees.
Consider the Kentucky Coffeetree, an excellent ornamental that is disease, insect and drought-resistant and tolerant of pollution. Readily adaptable to a variety of soils, it thrives in sun and shade.
Slow growing to 75- to 100-foot heights with a rounded top if grown in an open area, the tree has compound leaves coming out in late spring that afford a light, filtered shade canopy, thus encouraging healthier lawn turf growth.
Additionally, the leaves don’t create unmanageable masses as they turn yellow-brown and drop in the fall. Mowing them readily returns natural nutrients to the soil.
The SWCD Fall Tree Sale, which helps underwrite district conservation programs, offers a wide selection of large and understory trees and shrubs. Advance reservation calls can be made to (317) 745-2555, ext. 3. Order lists will be available soon.
