Though his manner was rather brusk and offputting to nascent green tree-planters, Guest, Shimrod has a point. I kill off hundred of "trees" every year as I trim and chop the hackberry (in the elm family, separate branch from oaks) from out of my fence line. I pull pecans and red oaks the squirrels have planted every year. Were I to let all of these trees grow I'd have quite a thatch here. I have planted some good quality xeriscape (low water) native trees on the property, and there are a number of the self-planted ones that are left alone along the back fence next to the creek.

Planting very small trees is a better choice because there has been less time for the roots to get bound in the pot. Be sure to plant those trees at the right level - not too deep in the ground. Trees have a root swell that is supposed to show, not be covered with dirt, so if you plant one of these seedlings or saplings then makes sure the hole is wide, not deep, and don't add extra stuff. The broken up native soil gives the tree a chance to spread roots and get accustomed to the native soil. If you use amendments for general fertilization, sprinkle them around and water them in (I use information from the www.DirtDoctor.com which covers the U.S. pretty thoroughly). If you don't have access to organic materials, make your own compost and when it's ready scatter a thin layer of it under the tree a couple of times a year. Foliar feeding of a good liquid organic fertilizer, in a sprayer and sprayed on the tree early in the morning when the leaves have the stoma open, will go a great way to keeping it happy.

I know, too much information for some of you. And not enough for others. The main thing about trees, relatively new research-wise, don't plant them too deep. It slows them down, almost smothers them, depending on how bad the case is.

SRS