2025-26 Trees Atlanta Smyrna Front Yard Program Agreement- Updated
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4 July 24, 2025 2.2.2.3 Bark texture and appearance on the trunk and branches of the New Trees should be smooth or shiny, as appropriate to the species. 2.2.2.4 New Tree(s) should be tapered, with an increase in diameter and a decrease in height. Trees Atlanta should not procure New Trees with reverse tapers or no taper. 2.2.2.5 The roots of the young New Tree(s) should be light in color. 2.2.3 New Tree (s) will be free of root defects at the time that they are procured and planted by Trees Atlanta, including but not limited to: (a) kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than 90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the kink; or (b) circling or girdling roots that circle 80 percent or more of the root system by 360 degrees or more. 2.3 Procedures for Planting New Trees 2.3.1 Trees Atlanta will ensure that, when New Tree (s) are planted, the standards established by the International Society of Arboriculture in the "Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual", are followed, including, but not limited to, the following: 2.3.1.1 Planting holes will be no less than one foot wider than the root ball or the container of the New Tree(s) being planted. Trees Atlanta will, if possible, create a planting hole three times the width of the root ball of the New Tree(s). 2.3.1.2 New Trees will not be planted deeper than their placement in their former location or container. 2.3.1.3 Spade compacted bottom and sides of the planting hole for the New Trees will be roughed or scarified to allow the penetration of the New Tree s’ developing roots. 2.3.1.4 Planting holes of the New Trees will have good water drainage from the bottom. 2.3.1.5 Once a New Tree is set in a planting hole, the planting hole will be backfilled with soil of good texture and structure. A backfill with native soil alone is adequate. 2.3.1.6 Trees Atlanta will not add fertilizer to the backfill soil unless deemed necessary for the survival of the New Trees. If fertilizer must be added, a low rate will be used. Approximately 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of backfill will be utilized for bare root plants. 2.3.1.7 After placing the backfill soil in the planting hole, the soil will be slightly mounded to allow for settling; a ridge or dike around the perimeter of the hole will be formed to facilitate watering. 2.3.1.8 The backfill soil will be gently tamped, but not compacted, and soaked for settling. 2.4 Post-Planting Procedures for New Trees 2.4.1 Homeowner accepts responsibility for maintaining the New Tree after planting is