How to Plant a Sapling
Why are Eastern Redbuds special?
Eastern Redbuds are fantastic understory trees known for their heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers. They are native to the Richmond region and a fantastic source of food and habitat for local birds and pollinating insects.
Watering: Keeping your baby trees watered is important during their first year. One heavy watering every week is ideal. Keep the soil and mulch moist but not soggy. The water should soak into the soil and mulch, but avoid watering so much that you see standing water.
Location: Redbuds love both shady and sunny spots. They live happily under the shade of larger overstory trees or in full sun. Redbuds top out at 25’ tall and are low maintenance and can be planted individually or in little groups.
The bright pink flowers that cover the twigs in spring are edible and somewhat tangy. Great for salads.
Mature Height: 20 - 30’
Mature Spread: 25 – 35'
Bloom Time: April
Fall Color: Yellow
How to Plant Your Redbud
1. Unpack & soak your tree
Unpack your tree, remove all packing materials, carefully untangle the roots and soak the roots in water 3 to 6 hours. Do not allow the roots to dry out.
2. Dig a hole
Dig a hole, wider than seems necessary, so the roots can grow outward without crowding. Remove any grass within a 3-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.
3. Plant the tree
Plant the tree with plenty of room for the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments such as peat or bark.
4. Refill the hole
Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly but not tightly packed. Give the tree plenty of water. Do not use fertilizer, potting soil, or chemicals when planting.
5. Mulch around the tree
After the water has soaked in, spread mulch two inches deep in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk. Make a mulch “donut,” not a volcano.
6. Water your tree now, then once a week
The soil and mulch around your trees should be kept moist but not soggy. During dry weather, generously water the tree every 7 to 10 days during the first year. Water slowly at the drip line.
7. Map your Redbud
Drop a pin to map your redbud. Let’s cover Richmond in little redbud dots!
(If you’re in a rush, just read the titles. They’ll probably be ok)
1. Desembale y remoje su árbol
Desembale su árbol, quite todos los materiales de empaque, cuidadosamente desenrede las raíces y remoje las raíces en agua de 3 a 6 horas. No permita que las raíces se sequen.
2. Cavar un agujero
Excava un agujero, más ancho de lo que parece necesario, para que las raíces puedan crecer hacia afuera sin aglomeraciones. Quite cualquier hierba dentro de un área circular de 3 pies. Para ayudar al crecimiento de la raíz, dé vuelta a la tierra 3 pies alrededor del hoyo.
3. Planta el árbol
Planta el árbol con mucho espacio para las raíces. Llene parcialmente el agujero, reafirmando la tierra alrededor de las raíces inferiores. No añada modificaciones a la tierra como turba o corteza.
4. Rellene el hoyo
Palee la tierra restante. Debe estar firmemente, pero no apretado. Dale mucha agua al árbol. No utilice fertilizantes, tierra para macetas ni productos químicos al plantar.
5. Pone mantillo alrededor del árbol
Después de que el agua se haya empapado, extienda el mulch de dos pulgadas de profundidad en un área de 3 ft. de diámetro alrededor de la base del árbol, pero no tocando el tronco. Hacer un mantillo "donut", no un volcán.
6. Rega su árbol ahora, luego una vez a la semana
La tierra y el mulch alrededor de los árboles deben mantenerse húmedos pero no empapados. Durante el tiempo seco, riegue generosamente el árbol cada 7 a 10 días durante el primer año. Agua lentamente en la línea de goteo.
7. Para mapear su nuevo Redbud
Colocar un marcador para trazar su redbud. Vamos a cubrir Richmond en pequeños puntos redbud!