How to Grow a Tree Maze
- 1). Select varieties of trees that display abundant foliage and thick side growth, such as Leland cypress, holly, juniper, arborvitae and southern magnolia. Consider the soil and climate requirements when selecting your tree varieties, matching your selections to your site.
- 2). Test the soil in your planting site with a soil test. Loosen the soil in your site with a tractor or a garden tiller. Remove the existing vegetation, including as much of the root balls as possible. Incorporate any soil additives recommended by your test results, working the nutrients into the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Smooth the surface of your soil.
- 3). Draw out your maze on paper. Use graph paper to determine the correct placement for your paths and your hedges. Allow a path width of at least 3 feet. Depending on your variety of trees, the hedge lines may need between 3 and 8 feet to accommodate the size of your pruned hedges.
- 4). Transfer your drawn maze to your site, using a measuring tape and compass. Line up the direction of your first path and measure into your maze, marking off your paths and hedgerows. Mark the lines for your trees with a brightly colored spray chalk.
- 5). Plant your trees along your marked lines, allowing the minimum clearance distances for your selected varieties. Dig your holes as deep as the trees' root balls and about twice as wide. Remove each tree from its pot and set the root balls in the holes so the surface of the potted soil falls level with the surrounding surface. Fill in the surrounding area with your backfill. Press air bubbles out of the loose soil with your feet, lightly compressing the soil around the roots.
- 6). Set drip hoses around the bases of your newly planted trees. Water the trees frequently enough to keep the soil near the deepest roots slightly damp.
- 7). Prune off any broken or damaged branches immediately after planting the trees. Top prune your trees to encourage vigorous side growth. Perform top pruning by using sharp pruning shears to snip off the top 2 to 3 inches of the central leaders.
- 8). Fertilize your trees with a plant food specified for use on your variety of trees. Fertilize when new growth begins appearing on your trees. During subsequent years, fertilize once in the spring and once in early summer.
- 9). Prune your trees three or four times each year, shaping the trees to form the walls of your maze. Stop pruning about six weeks prior to the first freeze in your area.
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