Public Notice From The Aberdeen Township
Environmental & Shade Tree Advisory Board

Arborists tell us we are likely to see effects of last summer’s drought conditions during this year’s growing season. Trees become susceptible to disease if they were sufficiently weakened by lack of water during June and July of 2005. Some may even be lost.

If you need to plant a tree, to replace one or for any other reason, here are the basic rules:

• Dig a hole the depth of the root ball; the tree should rest on firm ground. Dig the hole wider than seems necessary so that the roots can spread easily. The tree should be planted at the same height as it was in the nursery. The root flare (where the roots merge into the trunk) should be visible.

• Always handle the tree by the root ball, not the trunk. Don’t let the root ball dry out during planting.

• Partially fill in the soil, gently firming the soil around the lower roots. Water before filling with the rest of the soil. Then water again.

• Place mulch (gravel or composted wood chips) around the base after the water has sunk in, but no closer to the trunk than 6” – 8”, depending upon the size of the tree. Water generously every week to ten days during the first growing season.

For more information, contact the Environmental & Shade Tree Advisory at 732-583-4200, Ext. 388.