Buying a Heathy Tree - What to Look For?

Answer 1

Choosing a new tree for your backyard or garden can be a bit tricky if you’re not sure what to look for. You want your tree to grow up strong and be standing for many years to come. Purchasing an unhealthy tree isn’t worth any price. It may be beyond repair, and no amount of nursing will make it right again.

Above the Ground

The leaves of a prospective tree should be inspected thoroughly for any signs of disease or insects. If the leaves are yellow, wilted, or the wrong color for that particular season, move on to the next one. Be sure to check on the undersides of the leaves. Some signs of insects include holes in leaves or bark, or brown blotches.

Check the main branches, stem, and bark for breakage and other damage. The tips of the branches should be flexible, and evidence of new growth should be present during the growing season.

Below the Ground

The root system should be inspected as well as possible. Healthy roots are white, while black and mushy roots are usually a sign of root rot. Trees are usually sold in containers or with their roots wrapped in burlap.

- Balled and Burlapped

These trees have been grown out in the open and dug up. The root ball is wrapped in burlap and secured with heavy twine or wire. They are usually more expensive than trees in containers, but larger trees can purchased.

The burlap should be tight around the root ball. If the burlap is loose, this could be a sign that the root system is damages. Balled and burlapped tree’s roots are a bit difficult to keep moist, and the burlap should not be overly dry or crumbling.

- Containers

Trees grown in containers are susceptible to becoming pot bound, and a pot bound tree can not flourish since the roots aren’t able to spread and grow naturally. Roots should not be visible on top of the soil in the pot, nor should roots be sticking out of the drainage holes on the bottom.

The tree and the soil should be snug in the container; the soil should not pull away from the container.