tree crown orientation

[joe]

Hi, guys;

I want to find out how common of a practice it is to tag a tree so it's branches are oriented in the same direction after planting as before it is dug for transplanting. I've found some web sites which consider a trees' branch orientation to be important either on larger trees, trees moved from one location of a property to another, and thin barked trees to protect them from sunscald. Has anyone heard of this practice? How common is it and has anyone determined the cause of a plants decline due to plant position?

Joe

 

[Stumper]

I think that the idea has merit and try to practice it but I don't know of any data about it and don't consider it essential to orient the tree as before-just a good idea.

 

[jimmyq]

not too worried about it when I plant stuff. I had someone that when suggested that Metasequoia was particularly sensitive to this (orientation compared to riginal growing conditions) said " thats horsepuckey, if that was true then EVERY potted tree would be in jeopardy as they get shifted constantly when they are grown and shipped.".

as for field grown stuff, I can see some merit but since I didnt get to tag it in the field, I have no idea which way it was oriented besides trying to look for the side with heavier growth and/or lichen moss growth to indicate possible shadier side .

 

[R_Schra]

I see this most with bigger trees, more expensive. They come from a nursery that marks (tree paint as loggers use)the south side of the tree before scooping it out.

ronald