JOHN DOLAN (PORTRAIT)y interest in trees started in earnest
when we bought our first house, in
Middlefield, Massachusetts. Our cottage
was nestled in what was reputed to be a
“virgin” forest of spruce, cherry, and
maple, on a piece of property that had
never been cleared for dairy cows or
tilled for crops. Every tree was a valuable asset to me,
and I worried when a bough broke or a trunk had to be
severed. But to this day, I often wish I had removed a
huge burl that protruded from the giant trunk of an
ancient cherry, to make a salad bowl as a memento of
all the wonderful days we experienced there on Clark
Wright Road. However, I would never have “wounded”
that tree, though I did think about it.
It was in Westport, Connecticut, on my beloved
Turkey Hill property, that I developed my passion for
planting, pruning, and nurturing virtually thousands
of beautiful woodland and ornamental varieties. For a
while I got caught up in the “How big a tree can I
afford?” syndrome, generally associated with the “ag-
ing of a gardener” who wants instant gratification,
instead of waiting for a small tree to grow large. AfterI moved to Bedford, I learned the hard way that not all
big trees transplant well. I lost several costly specimens
that I thought I needed to instantly beautify my newly
refurbished homestead. As it turned out, many of the
smaller trees caught up to the larger ones in just a
couple of years, and were oftentimes healthier, more
robust, and even more fantastic.
For me, trees are an essential element of any yard,
lawn, or landscape. It’s important when designing your
space to pay attention to the potential size, shape, and
color of each tree you plant, so that mistakes are not
made that will be difficult to remedy. Just as I have
become fond of certain varieties, you will too. My linden
allée is gorgeous all year, as is my pin-oak allée, which
I planted myself just 10 years ago and is now a big
feature at the farm. The weeping beeches and horn-
beams are showstoppers, and the stewartias, magnolias,
and chestnuts are equally impressive.
What is most important is that all of these trees,
planted with care and attention to detail, will continue
to grow and thrive, adding beauty and importance to
the environment while always remaining my friends,
and friends of the generations to come.Arbor Days
I strongly believe in reforestation and protecting the environment, and try to plant
new trees every year. I order many, many seedlings and place them throughout the farm.
One day I hope they will be as mature as the old sugar maple (right).M
How to
Plant a Tree
They are vital to our
existence. Among their
numerous virtues:
Trees provide oxygen,
help clean the air,
benefit wildlife, and
reduce the effects of
climate change.
Plant in the fall.
Purchase a specimen
at your local nursery, or
become a member
of the Arbor Day Foun-
dation and it will send
you 10 free trees
(membership begins
at $10; arborday.org).
Find a location.
Think about how much
light the spot receives.
What are the soil con-
ditions? Does it receive
good drainage? Is
there enough room for
the tree to grow? (For
example, is it near the
house or a sidewalk,
or are there telephone
wires overhead?)
Consider the projected
height and width,
as well as the poten-
tial root span.
Dig a hole.
Make it approximately
two or three times
as wide as the root ball,
and of the same depth.
Be careful not to
plant the tree too deep,
which can suffocate
the roots. Backfill with
soil removed from the
hole, mulch, and water
thoroughly after
planting, and continue
to do so every week
for the first year.20
FROM MARTHA
Trees