Today is National Tree Day – if you can’t plant a tree at least hug one.
When you are shopping for a tree or winter-hardy shrub look for the following:
1. A pot that is not too full of roots. If the roots are wound tightly inside the pot the plant will have trouble putting down new roots. Ideally the soil to root ratio should be about 50/50
2. The "Y" or Fork in the branches. A fork in the main stem can prove to be trouble in the future as it is susceptible to splitting. Hint: if you have a tree at home with a Y in the trunk remove the weakest branch now.
3. Clean, unblemished bark. Look for scraps and bruises on the bark. It should be clear and blemish free, if it is classified as a #1 tree.
4. A leader. The top of the tree should have a leader – a single stem that sticks straight [or nearly straight] out of the top of the tree. This provides for a nicely shaped tree as it matures in your yard.
Today at the Canada AM patio we are planting an Ivory Silk Lilac Tree. It will bloom with abundance of lilac shaped, creamy white flowers mid-June. It is very winter hardy in our zone 6 garden [up to zone 3] and it is a unique Canadian introduction that is planted worldwide. A nice tribute to our National Tree Day, 2015!
