Planting Methods and Care

Know these terms: scion, cultivar, branch bark ridge, included bark, girdling roots.

Distinguish between vigor and vitality.

What types of "structural" conditions should be observed when selecting a healthy plant for planting?

Understand the "Holding and Planting Specifications" for Bare-root plants, Container plants, Balled-and-burlap plants, and Tree-spaded plants.

Understand the recommendations for applying mulch around trees, the different types of mulches available, their advantages and disadvantages, and the benefits of mulches.

Understand the recommendations for staking newly planted trees, benefits, advantages and disadvantages.

Understand the recommendations for the use of tree wraps on newly planted trees, benefits, advantages and disadvantages.

 Fertilization:

What are the 16 essential elements for tree growth?

What tests help determine fertilizer needs?

Understand the availability of N, P, and K in urban soils.

What are the differences between inorganic, natural organic and synthetic organic fertilizers?

What is the difference between soluble and slow-release fertilizers?

Understand how to read the fertilizer "grade" on a bag of fertilizer AND calculate the volume by weight of each component.

Be able to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed for the square foot method and the dhb method.

What are the common fertilizer application methods used by industry? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

What are some important considerations to be made PRIOR to deciding of a fertilization operation?