Most large-scale projects get little or no attention after planting, so Forrest Keeling developed the Walk-A-Way system that increases plant survival rates to over 95%!
Forrest Keeling Walk-A-Way-Planting System
1. Prepare the site: plow, disk and form raised, flat-crowned berms in early summer.
2. Reduce competition with grass cover crop to limit unwanted woody and herbaceous vegetation,
• as a fall planting between mid-August and mid-September.
• as a dormant winter seeding from January through February.
• as a spring planting April through May.
3. Plant trees of the appropriate provenance on tops of berms preferably in fall between mid-October and mid-December, or in spring from March through April. For optimal hard-mast production, space trees 30-35' apart with staggered rows.
4. Protect trees with tree wrap to reduce bark damage and weed barrier mat to minimize weeds around trees and help reduce moisture loss. Fertilize trees in April or May with slow-release 27-3-6 fertilizer to insure good, first-year growth.
Download our two new tree planting handouts.
For Commercial Projects: Forrest Keeling Walk-A-Way™ System Link
For Residential or Small-Scale Projects: RPM® Planting and Care Guide Link
