Author: John Campanini

Matching the right tree to the right soil provides numerous benefits. Matching grows strong, healthy trees by delivering nutrients, drainage, and aeration to the plant, boosting disease resistance, and reducing maintenance needs—all while promoting a harmonious, nurturing ecosystem. Plus, it increases your property’s value. A mature, healthy tree adds anywhere from 3 to 15 percent to your home’s value.

But matching the right tree to the right soil is dicey. So, you need to get it right for the best results. Choosing the wrong soil, on the other hand, stunts a tree’s growth, deprives it of essential nutrients, leaves it susceptible to diseases, and even causes death.

Specific challenges to choosing the suitable soil include:

• Diverse soil types and tree needs
• Generating an accurate assessment
• Limited information about specific trees
• Modifying existing soil
• Monitoring to ensure trees continue health

By understanding these challenges and then overcoming them, you can boost your chances of making a successful tree-soil match that nurtures a thriving, healthy tree for years to come. Consulting technicians at the Rhode Island Tree Council can help as well beat the challenges described above.

 Two Critical Steps to Tree-Soil Matching

There are two critical steps to match a tree to the soil. The first is understanding your soil. Start by consulting the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is divided into 12 zones. Each zone reflects the area’s average minimum temperatures during the winter in that area. Zone 1 is the coldest, while Zone 12 is the warmest. A powerful tool for growers, the map tells you which trees thrive in your climate.

While most of Rhode Island falls within the plant hardiness of Zone 6a, the state’s complete hardiness zone extends from 5b to 7a. This area averages annual minimum temperatures ranging from -10°F to 5°F. The results reflect the state’s coastal location with its northern and western regions being cooler than its southern and eastern areas. Our blog post on the Plant Hardiness map tells you how to use the map to the best advantage.

Test Soil to Determine Key Factors

The second step in the matching process is testing your soil. This step reveals your soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and drainage—all critical factors for tree growth. Home improvement stores, like Home Depot or Lowes, often sell test kits for this purpose so you can test the soil yourself. Or, you can mail soil samples to a professional lab for a more detailed analysis.

The University of Rhode Island’s Soil Testing service, for example, is free through its Master Gardner program. You provide the school’s lab with a sample of your soil. It will test its pH (acidity/alkalinity), evaluate its texture and content, and recommend what actions to take to improve your soil’s pH and health. 

The booklet “Soils of Rhode Island Landscapes” by William R. Wright and Edward Sautter provides more information on Rhode Island soils. The booklet’s goal is to arouse public interest in soils and make people aware of this valuable natural resource.  As the name implies, this 62-page booklet provides an in-depth look at Rhode Island soils.

Research on Tree-Soil Compatibility

Studies by scientists offer valuable insights into the relationship between trees and soil. One five-year study by the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, for example, targets the impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and tree growth. That study shows that soil compost and mulch have a significant impact on soil quality, but the benefits take three years to kick in.

Here are some additional findings tree-soil compatibility research provides:

• Some tree species prefer specific soil characteristics like drainage, pH, nutrient content, and texture. For example, oaks thrive in well-drained sandy soils, while maples prefer slightly acidic soils with good moisture retention.  

• Certain trees have deep root systems that can access water and nutrients from lower soil layers, while others have shallow roots that rely on surface moisture. Matching root systems to suitable soil depths boosts water and nutrient uptake.

• Adding organic matter like compost can improve drainage and nutrient availability in clay soils, but adding sulfur can adjust the pH for more acid-loving trees. But you need to consider these actions’ long-term impacts and cost-effectiveness.
• Rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and local topography can affect soil moisture and nutrient cycling. That, in turn, impacts tree suitability. Matching trees to local conditions and a site’s microclimates boost plant health.  
• Long-term monitoring after planting trees in new soil proves significant. Monitoring growth, survival rates, and potential disease or nutrient deficiencies helps assess the success of the tree-soil match and identify any necessary adjustments.

Understanding these research findings on tree-soil compatibility is beneficial. It helps you make informed planting decisions about what trees to plant in which soil environments. That, in turn, promotes the tree’s health and longevity. Plus, it contributes to healthy ecosystems, among other things. Put simply, making the best tree soil match possible is a win-win for you and the tree you plant.

You don’t need to plant just any tree in your yard. You need to plant the right tree in your yard. That’s easier said than done. While you have a wide selection of trees out there, there’s no one “best tree” for all purposes.

In fact, you have several considerations when selecting a tree. Once you’ve selected that tree, you must place it in the right spot in your yard. These two activities go hand-in-hand to find the best tree for your yard.

The benefits of planting a tree in the right spot are numerous. Environmental benefits include air purification, soil health, water conservation, and habitat creation, while aesthetic benefits include beauty and visual interest, privacy and screening, noise reduction, and creating a peaceful environment.

1. Pinpoint your climate zone

Start by determining your plant hardiness zone, which indicates your area’s average minimum winter temperature. This step narrows down the trees that can survive the cold in your site. Next, consider the area’s rainfall patterns and its sun exposure. How much sun does your yard get—full, partial, or complete shade? Will you need additional watering for the tree you pick to survive?

2. Determine your needs and preferences

Using the information discovered in step one, you must consider other vital factors, like maintenance, aesthetics, and functions. Do you want shade, privacy, wind protection, vibrant fall foliage, or blossoms? Choose trees that fulfill your priorities and maintenance needs. Do you want a mature tree with size, shape, and foliage color? What about a flowering tree to complement your existing landscape?

3. Choose the right area

You must select the right tree for the site under consideration. That includes matching the mature size of the tree to the site. For example, avoid planting a towering tree under power lines or close to your house. Growth rate, soil type, and drainage are also considerations. You want a tree with suitable growth for your desired timeline. Also, know your tree’s light needs and place it accordingly. Consider its future shade impact on buildings, walkways, or gardens.

4. Set goals for your tree

Setting goals is a must when selecting and placing trees on a site. Do you want the tree to provide shade or privacy? Or maybe you want it to attract birds or add color to your yard. Whatever your goal, you may need to exceed aesthetics to achieve it. Lifestyle is also a consideration. You want a tree that fits your lifestyle. Some trees require more pruning, watering, maintenance, or pest control. Also, stay away from invasive tree species that can harm native ecosystems.

5. Plant at the right time  

Research the tree you want to plant to find the best time to plant it. Fall and spring are typically the best time to plant, but not always. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball and plant the tree at the same depth as the soil line on the root ball. Straighten the tree in the hole. Once planted, a tree is difficult to reposition. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Avoid fertilizing the tree at this time. Stake the tree only when planting bare root stock or when planting at windy sites. Remove the stakes after a year of growth.

Studies also show that homes with mature trees generally sell for more than those without trees, have lower groundwater fees, and save energy. Below are six tips on how to select the perfect tree for you:

6. Provide the proper care

Having planted the tree at the right spot, you need to water deeply and regularly. New trees need plenty of water during the first year and in dry periods and hot weather. Gradually reduce watering as the tree becomes established. Also, apply a layer of mulch around the tree’s base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid filling in mulch to the tree’s base. Prune young trees for proper structure and remove dead or diseased branches as needed.
Selecting and planting a tree in the right place in your yard can be a challenge. But if you follow the tips we provided above, you’ll simplify the process. If you’re still unsure about planting a tree in an area, consult a professional! Consulting a certified arborist, qualified nursery professional, or one of RITree’s technical specialists can provide valuable guidance for selecting and caring for your trees.

Trees and shrubs aren’t the only plants you need to protect in winter. You also need to protect your houseplants. While houseplants aren’t subject to the same harsh elements your trees and shrubs are, the winter still impacts them. Even your year-round houseplants will feel winter’s bite. So, you’ll need to treat these plants differently during winter than at other times.

But first, do some research on your plants.

Find out their winter needs. Some species will require more specialized care than others during winter. Knowing your plants’ special needs enables you to provide the care they need to survive the cold. In general, try to imitate the winter conditions of the plants’ native areas. Mimicking their native habitats boosts their chances of surviving dramatically.

Simple Steps to Help Your Plants Survive the Winter

Plants get less sunlight in winter than in the other seasons. Less sunlight triggers a plant’s natural dormancy, so it uses less water and grows less. This process can stress plants. Taking the simple steps listed below will keep your greenery healthy in winter:  

1. Adjust your watering schedule. Water your plants deeply, but only when the top inch of soil is dry.

• Move your plants to a brighter spot. Move your plants to a south- or west-facing window where they’ll get direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Use a grow light if necessary.

• Increase the humidity. The air in our homes is often drier in the winter than at other times, which can stress plants. So, group your plants together to increase the humidity around them. You can also use a humidifier.
• Avoid drafts and cold air. If possible, keep your plants away from cold drafts, radiators, and air vents. Sudden temperature changes can shock plants, causing them to drop leaves.
• Fertilize less often. Many houseplants don’t need to be fertilized in the winter. If you decide to fertilize your houseplants, use a half-strength solution monthly.
• Look out for pests and diseases. They’re more common in the winter when plants are stressed than at other times. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Treat them immediately if necessary.

• Be patient with your plants. Houseplants will lose some leaves in the winter. Don’t be alarmed if your plants look less lush in winter.  

Following these tips can help your plants survive even an extreme winter. With extra care and attention, they’ll emerge from winter ready for spring.

Plants that Thrive in Winter

Plants aren’t all the same, however. Some do better in winter than others. So, another consideration is having houseplants that thrive in this season. Below are several plants that can add interest and color to your garden or home during a cold, snowy New England winter.  

• Winter aconite: This yellow flower blooms in late winter or early spring. It will even bloom through snow. It’s a low-growing, easy-to-care-for perennial.   
• Snowdrops: These delicate white flowers bloom in late winter or early spring. They’re a good option for naturalizing in woodlands or meadows. 
• Snowdrops flower
• Pansies: A versatile annual plant that can be grown in pots, borders, or hanging baskets, pansies bloom in various colors including white, purple, yellow, and orange.
• Violas: Violas are similar to pansies but smaller and have more delicate flowers. They bloom into early spring.

Violas in bloom

• Cyclamen: A popular winter pot plant, cyclamen produces heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and red.

• Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a large shrub that blooms in late winter or early spring, producing clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers.

• Hellebore: Hellebore, also known as Christmas rose or Lenten rose, is a perennial that blooms in midwinter. It produces cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple.

New England winters can be tough on greenery. It’s a time when plants go dormant. That can stress a plant. But taking the simple steps described above gives your houseplants a good chance to survive the winter. Choosing a houseplant that’s native to the area in winter is another option that many people take.

For more information on steps you can take to keep your houseplants surviving and thriving in winter, contact RITree.

Are your young trees all set for winter? Winter in New England is hard on trees—especially young ones. So, late fall is the perfect time to start preparing young trees for the harshness of winter. This process includes protecting the bark of young trees. It often splits in the winter and can leave young trees vulnerable. Splitting is typically more severe on young trees’ south and west sides than on the north and east sides.

This splitting process is called sunscald. It occurs when the sun’s heat damages tree bark. That creates a temperature difference between internal sapwood under the bark (hot) and the external environment (cold). That, in turn, causes the sapwood to desiccate, shrink, and die. The bark eventually cracks along the dead sapwood’s fault line. Young, thin-barked ornamental and fruit trees. like birch, stewartia, red maple, London planetree, and beech are especially susceptible to sunscald. 

This red maple is showing signs of sunscald, which can devastate a young tree in winter.

Sunscald occurs in summer and winter, but it is much more common in the winter. Hence, the need to start protecting young trees in the fall from this winter increases. Symptoms of sunscald include:

• Dead or discolored bark
• Vertical cracks in the bark
• Bleeding from the affected area
• Sapwood (the layer of wood just beneath the bark) that is exposed

Young trees can survive sunscald. But even if they survive it, sunscald can weaken young trees, making them more susceptible to other problems, such as pests and diseases.

Young Trees are More Susceptible

Cold weather, snow and ice, drought, salt spray, pests and diseases can severely damage trees. So, can sunscald. It can devastate them. Here are a few reasons why young trees are more vulnerable than older ones to sunscald:

• Thinner bark: Young trees have thinner bark than older trees. That’s because the tree bark thickens over time as the tree grows and ages. Thinner bark is more susceptible to damage from the sun’s heat.
• Less developed canopy: Young trees have less developed canopies than older trees. That means they have less foliage to shade the bark of the trunk. Less protection increases the chance of sunscald.
• Less experience with sunlight: Young trees have less time to adapt to sunlight than older trees. That makes them more susceptible to damage from the sun, especially if they are suddenly exposed to more sunlight than usual.

• More exposure to direct sunlight: Young trees are more susceptible to sun scald if planted in an area where they are exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day. That’s especially true in wintertime when the sun is lower in the sky than at other times, and the tree’s bark is more likely to be exposed to direct sunlight.

Protecting Young Trees from Sunscald

Tree owners can do a lot to prevent sun scald from occurring—even in the harshest New England weather. To protect young trees from sun scald, you can:

1. Wrap the young tree’s trunk with a white tree wrap or plastic tree guard during the winter. The wrap reflects the sun and keeps the bark at a more constant temperature.
2. Plant young trees where the elements protect them from the winter sun. The site could be in the shade of a building or another tree, or on your property’s north or northeast side.
3. Water young trees regularly, especially during the first few years after planting. Watering helps them to develop a robust root system and withstand winter stresses.
4. Mulch around the base of young trees. This step insulates the roots and protects them from the cold.
5. Prune your trees in the late fall or early winter. This action will help to remove any dead or diseased branches that could be more susceptible to sunscald.
6. Plant young trees in a location that protects them from the sun and wind, in the shade of a building or another tree, or on your property’s north or northeast side.
7. Look out for pests and diseases. If you see signs of them, contact a certified arborist or RI Tree for advice.

Following these tips on combating sun scald can help protect your young trees from this sunscald and ensure they thrive for many years.

For more information on sunscald or tree care contact RITree by e-mail at ritree@ritree.org.

The American chestnut tree thrived in eastern North American forests for thousands of years. It comprised about 25% of the trees in the natural range. A large, fast-growing deciduous beech species, this tree was a boon to the local ecosystem. Native Americans used the wood for building, the nuts for food, and the bark for medicine. The nuts were also a staple food for early European settlers in North America. Put another way, the American chestnut tree was among the most significant forest trees throughout its range.  

Today, the American chestnut is all but extinct in the wild thanks to a blight accidentally introduced to America in the early 1900s. Cryphonectria parasitica is the name of the parasitic fungus that causes chestnut blight. It devastated the existing chestnut trees. Native to East Asia, it also devastated European chestnuts. Once introduced in the U.S., the fungus spread rapidly and caused significant tree loss. The fungus destroyed about four billion American chestnuts in the first half of the 20th century.

Protecting the American Chestnut

There’s no cure for chestnut blight, but there are several things you can do to manage the disease and protect chestnuts if you love the tree species. One is to plant resistant chestnut hybrids. These hybrids are developed by crossing American chestnut trees with Asian chestnut trees, which are more resistant to the fungus.

Something else you can do to help chestnut trees is to support the growing number of organizations working hard to restore the species to its former range. These organizations are breeding blight-resistant chestnut trees and planting them in forests throughout the eastern United States. These organizations include:

• American Chestnut Foundation
• American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project at SUNY ES
• American Chestnut Cooperators’ Foundation (ACCF)
• National Park Service (NPS)
• US Forest Service (USFS)

The organizations are making a difference. The American chestnut is slowly but surely returning to its native range. One of the highlights of the Tree Council’s 2023 Summer Workshop at Goddard Park was a chance to see years of work by the American Chestnut Foundation come to fruition. The summer workshops held by R.I. Tree, along with our annual Tree Stewards Course, are among our most popular tree care programs. Look for more information on these workshops in the spring.

Proven Tips on Managing Plant Diseases

Prevention is the best defense against plant diseases. Site preparation and plant selection are critical steps to prevent plant diseases. But diseases can occur despite our best efforts. Below are some tips for managing plant diseases:

1. Remove diseased plant parts to prevent spreading.
2. Water your plants properly.
3. Prune away dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation and reduce the amount of inoculum in the plant.
4. Apply fungicides according to the label directions to help control the disease.
5. Keep your tools clean. Disinfect your pruning shears and other tools. Use a solution of bleach and water after each use.
6. Be aware of the weather conditions. Some diseases are more likely to develop under certain weather conditions than other diseases. Then, take steps to prevent the disease’s development.
7. Contact RITree. Its experts can provide information on common plant diseases in your area and recommend strategies for managing them.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your plants from disease and enjoy it. The best approach is to use a combination of cultural practices and chemical or biological controls to manage diseases effectively. Remember, there’s no silver bullet for managing plant diseases.