In our previous column, we discussed Fairfield's Community Forestry Program, the essential value of trees to the town's quality of life and the work of the Forestry Committee. We also defined "public trees" and the "urban forest" and emphasized the concept of environmental stewardship. Now that spring is here, it's a good time to talk about how to plant and care for trees.

The first rule when pursuing the benefits of trees is that how we select, plant and initially care for them is more important than how many we plant. There isn't space here to go into all the details, but we can review some of the basics and encourage you to seek more information.

Selecting the Tree: The theme of the town's tree-planting program "the right tree for the right place" points out how important tree selection is. When choosing appropriate trees for available spots in the town rights-of-way, the first thing the tree warden does is consider the "big picture," including nearby trees and the character of the neighborhood. Species of plum, dogwood, shadblow, pear, elm, oak, sweetgum and planetree, for example, are just a few of the many small, medium-size and large trees that do well in the rights-of-way. Diversity is key for a sustainable urban

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forest. A variety of species, often good for esthetic purposes, is necessary to avoid wide-spread susceptibility to disease and harmful insects.

There are many things to consider when selecting a young tree that, most likely, you'll buy from a nursery. Why are you planting the tree? Is it for shade, ornamental purposes, a windbreak, screening, or a combination of functions? What's the best species, size, and shape for your purpose and to meet your site conditions? To achieve the full benefits of a tree, it needs to be selected and planted according to a well thought-out plan and thereby become a vital member of a larger population of trees.

Planting the Tree: Incorrectly planted, a young tree likely will die in a few years. Properly planted and cared for, the same tree will provide benefits for generations. Here are some guidelines. First, the best times for planting are the spring and fall when the new tree is dormant and its roots can establish themselves before new top growth occurs. Some species do better when planted in the spring; others are better suited for the fall. Second, any underground utilities must be located before digging. Third, the planting hole must be dug to the correct size and the bottom soil firmly packed so the tree won't settle too much. The hole should have gradually sloping sides and be two to three times wider than the root ball so the roots can push outward as the tree establishes itself. To determine the right depth, which is critical, identify the "trunk flare" where the roots spread at the base of the tree and be sure this part of the tree is above ground after planting.

Place the tree in the hole by handling the root ball, not the trunk; remove or roll down the burlap and wire basket that may be containing the root ball; straighten the tree; and then backfill the hole gently but firmly with the soil you removed to dig the hole. Stake the tree only when absolutely necessary. Also, pay attention to spacing. If you plant young trees too close together, they may be overcrowded when they mature.

Caring for the New Tree: Mulch and water must be properly applied, but fertilizer shouldn't be needed during the first year. Organic mulches such as wood chips around the base of the tree maintain soil moisture, provide nutrients, keep the ground cooler in the summer, and have other benefits. Over-mulching, however, is an increasingly common problem and can kill the tree. The term "volcano-mulching" defines itself avoid it. Mulch should be applied lightly and evenly, up to four inches deep in a circle three times the size of the root ball. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk; if you don't, it will harm the tree.

Water is the young tree's most critical need, especially in the first month when two to three gallons a day, poured slowly around the base of the tree, are necessary. Too much water can be detrimental, but more harm is usually done if you don't water enough.

To conclude, we hope this article has made its point that planting a tree requires thoughtful planning and that substantial benefits should be expected. To help achieve and maintain those benefits, this author thinks it's a good idea to look at the trees we plant as lifelong investments and the stewardship needed to care for them as a lifelong commitment.

For more information on tree care and the Fairfield Forestry Committee, call the tree warden's office at 256-3178.

Geoff Steadman is an environmental planning consultant for towns throughout the state. He has worked for Fairfield agencies for 20 years, including the Harbor Management, Conservation and Shellfish commissions. He has written this article on behalf of the Forestry Committee.