Planting trees

[ISUFan22]

The nice thing is I know exactly where everything is. The electrical easement for the development runs through our property and this is where we'll plant the trees. I know that easement has to be about 4'-6' deep - so I'm not worried about hitting it.

I'm going to get that stuff marked regardless, so in the event something does happen, I at least did it the right way.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

The nice thing is I know exactly where everything is. The electrical easement for the development runs through our property and this is where we'll plant the trees. I know that easement has to be about 4'-6' deep - so I'm not worried about hitting it.

The utility easement that runs around the perimeter of our development prohibits the planting of trees and landscaping items - just supposed to have grass. It makes sense to allow easy access for the utility companies. Over time many homeowners have put in plantings either without knowing or caring about the restriction. The utilities haven't made an issue out of it probably because most lines were already in place. I'm guessing that they would not hesitate to remove obstructing trees or shrubs if they needed to make any major upgrades.

[mg4cy]

Dial 811 for one call locate for utilities. Only takes 24-48 hrs for them to come out.

Avoid any air pockets around root ball. Back fill with same soil from the hole, don't overdo the potting soil. Don't back fill with bark chips around the root ball, as the nutrient value is low with the chips compared to dirt. I found some air pockets in recent planting by landscaper. Either dirt settled or they didn't back fill all the way.

Cut top off burlap so it doesn't stick into the air where it can wick moisture out of the root ball - make sure burlap isn't exposed to air.

Water the area around the drip line, w/ sprinkler to be natural like rain, don't place hose on trunk (will prevent aeration). Check for moist soil every 5 days by digging 6 inches down. Its a tricky time to plant the blue spruce with the weather being so hot in June. I was told to have mine planted by May 15 for best survival.

I planted 6-7 footers w/ no support stakes, root ball and weight is big enough is what the landscaper said. It worked at my old house where the trees have lasted 7 years. My trees this year seem to be doing fine after 3 weeks, new growth has started.

[drmwevr08]

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

The nice thing is I know exactly where everything is. The electrical easement for the development runs through our property and this is where we'll plant the trees. I know that easement has to be about 4'-6' deep - so I'm not worried about hitting it.

I'm going to get that stuff marked regardless, so in the event something does happen, I at least did it the right way.

I would have someone check on the language. The City should be able to tell you whether the easement restricts planting. As someone indicated, if you plant and they need to dig things up, they will rip out what they need and not put it back. Also, if your ok to plant them, cross your fingers because they are not always planted as deep as they are supposed to. Its easier to only go halfway down you know!