With so much

new development in the metro area, good old trees seem like a rarity.

To get a good

tree in your yard, choose the right tree for the site and invest some

blood, sweat and tears into getting it off to a good start.

Selecting the

right tree depends on where you want to plant the tree and what you want

it to do for your yard. Before starting, research the species suitable

for our area, considering the tree's foliage, size, shape and other characteristics.

When choosing

a spot for a new tree, watch out for hazards to the tree's health. Construction

crews litter new home sites with mortar, plaster and limestone, creating

an alkaline soil condition that can inhibit a plant's ability to absorb

nutrients.

To improve

this situation, take a soil test two to three weeks before planting to

determine the lime and fertilization requirements for the tree site.

Clay is another

challenge for trees in this part of Georgia. Heavy clay soils can lead

to poor drainage. Unless corrected, waterlogged soil will suffocate the

root system and kill a plant. Improve poorly drained sites by deep-tilling

to break apart a layer of hard-packed soil.

Once you have

decided on the tree species for your site, make the effort to select a

fresh, high quality plant.

According to

the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service dean and director

Gale Buchanan, most ornamentals marketed today are grown and sold in containers.

Even so, you

should be able to find field-grown plants, sold as balled-and-burlapped

or packaged bare-root, available at local nurseries during certain times

of the year.

Container-grown

plants should have healthy, vigorous tops and white feeder roots on the

outer edge of the root ball. Buyers should not be timid about turning

a few plants over, removing the pots and examining the roots.

Container-grown

plants generally transplant well throughout most of the year with minimum

shock, although fall and winter months are the best time to transplant.

Nurseries often

sell large trees and shrubs grown in the field as balled-and-burlapped

plants. These trees transplant best between October through April, because

a large portion of the root system is destroyed during digging.

Some trees

are grown and marketed in fabric bags. They can be transplanted throughout

the year, but the fall and winter months are ideal.

Packaged bare-root

plants should have plump, healthy stems and good root systems kept moist

in a packing substance like sphagnum moss or wood shavings. The best planting

time is from December to mid-March.

Proper planting

is another key step for healthy, vigorous tree growth. Proper planting

leads to the development of strong roots. Start by watering the tree thoroughly

before planting, saturating the root ball.

Then dig the

hole deep enough so that the top of the root ball is even with the surface

of the soil. Remove any wire or cord attached to the tree's packaging.

After planting,

watering the tree thoroughly will settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

A few extra

steps will help care for the tree during its establishment period. If

the site for your tree is windy, stakes or guide wires will keep the plant

stable. Proper watering is essential while the tree is becoming established.

Follow the instructions for your specific tree.

Finally, allow

the plant to become established before applying a granular general fertilizer.

Proper planning

and care during the tree's establishment will yield many years of enjoyment.

For more information, call the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Office

at 404-730-7000.