General
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Foro
We do NOT make
recommendation for specific arborists, but we do recommend that people find a
certified arborist and this is website makes it easy - treesaregood.org
Planting the biggest tree you can afford is not always the best option.
Though it is true 2” to 4” caliper trees give an instantly-landscaped
look to homes, these trees are more prone to transplant shock and water
stress. Transplant shock occurs from the loss of root system when the
tree is dug from the nursery. As much as 95% of the plant’s roots may be
removed during the digging process. This means fewer roots are
available to provide water to the many branches and leaves. Symptoms
range from scorch on the edges of leaves, dieback in the crown,
increased vulnerability to diseases, insects, and drought, or tree
death. Transplant shock, more or less, continues until the tree canopy
and tree roots come into balance. For comparison, a 1” caliper tree
planted with 5% of its root mass, provided good care, can recover 100%
of its roots by the end of one year. A 4” caliper tree planted with 5%
of its root mass, will take five years to recover 100% of its root mass.
During this time the smaller caliper tree may easily catch up in size
to the larger tree.