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www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE FALL 2015 15 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS were going to be placed in a 28-inch root ball. It would be left in ground and allowed to grow until fall harvest, at which time the tree would be spaded and placed in a 32-inch root ball. The third strategy is to Harvest Thin-Barked Trees with Abundant Twigs with Special Care. Deciduous trees desiccate during dormancy due to cold, wind or sun, especially when the ground is frozen. This problem is compounded in trees that have thinner bark because there is more cambial activity on sunny days for thin-barked trees. Desiccation is also more likely on trees with abundant twigs because there is an increased surface area exposed to potential inclement conditions. Vulnerable tree types should be harvested in the right size root ball or one size larger in an effort to retain as large a root mass — and therefore more available moisture — as possible. Additionally, trees with thin bark and abundant twigs should be watered when possible during the winter season when there are extreme cold, windy, or sunny conditions. The fourth strategy is to Minimize Water Loss to Root Balls. After harvesting, trees need a constant source of water, especially when they are stored above ground. This is especially true in the spring; however it is still very relevant for the fall planting season. The outer layer of burlap around the root ball will wick water out of the encased soil during dry, windy, or sunny days. Trees should be well watered until they are planted in the ground; letting the root ball dry significantly even one time can cause tree mortality or make it virtually impossible to restore moisture to the core of the root mass. Depending on the weather conditions, it might be necessary to water an aboveground tree with a slow soaking for at least five minutes per day. Additional precaution could be taken by heeling the trees in mulch until they are planted. Given the wide variety of experiences among arborists with fall planting, the complex interacting nature of the five major factors of transplanting success, and the promise of mitigating practices as described above, additional research into the fall hazards question is indicated. Michelle Sutton (michellejudysutton.com) is a horticulturist, writer, and editor. Matthew Stephens is director of street tree planting for NYC Parks. Like so many "fall hazard" tree species, goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is more likely to succeed when transplanted at a smaller caliper size. Minimizing water loss to root balls is essential to transplanting success in spring or fall. This B&B tree was shipped so dry that sandy soil poured out of the root ball when the burlap sustained a small tear. PHOTO BY MATTHEW STEPHENS PHOTO BY MICHELLE SUTTON