How to Plant Osage Orange Trees as Land Boundaries

Planting trees as land boundaries serves multiple purposes. It helps establish and mark the boundary lines and provides a natural buffer against street noise, pollution, and other disturbances. Osage Orange trees, also known as bois d'arc, hedge apple, or horse apple, make an excellent choice for an hedgerow due to their dense foliage, thorny branches, and hardy nature. This article outlines the steps involved in planting Osage Orange trees and maintaining an effective barrier of trees around your property.

Step 1: Choose a Location

Osage Orange trees require full sun to thrive, so you should choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining and not prone to standing water. Your trees should be planted at least six feet apart to encourage bushy growth, and the rows should be spaced 15-20 feet apart for easy maintenance and pruning.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The soil should be prepared before planting the trees. Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the area and till the soil. Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's fertility and structure. A soil test can help determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil and guide the amount of fertilizer or lime you need to add.

Step 3: Obtain Osage Orange Trees

You can purchase Osage Orange tree seedlings from nurseries, garden centers, or online suppliers. Look for healthy trees that are at least one to two years old and have a well-developed root system. Bare-root trees can be planted in late winter or early spring when the soil is workable. Container-grown trees can be planted throughout the year, but fall and winter are the best times to plant them as they require less watering and maintenance.

Step 4: Plant the Osage Orange Trees

Plant the trees at the depth of the root ball and spread the roots out evenly in the hole. Backfill the soil and firm it around the base of the tree, leaving a well around the trunk to hold water. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and prevent air pockets. Mulch around the tree with organic matter to retain moisture, control weeds and insulate the roots.

Step 5: Prune and Maintain

Proper pruning and maintenance are essential to keep your Osage Orange trees healthy and dense. Prune the trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the trees and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Fertilize the trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth and flower development.

Regular irrigation is necessary during hot and dry periods in the first year after planting. Once established, Osage Orange trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. However, they tend to propagate easily and may sprout from the base, resulting in a dense thicket. Control the suckers by mowing or cutting them regularly to maintain the desired height and shape of the hedge.

Conclusion

Planting Osage Orange trees as land boundaries is an excellent way to create an effective barrier around your property while adding to its aesthetic value. Proper soil preparation, selection of healthy plants, and adequate maintenance are crucial to keep your hedge dense, healthy, and disease-free. With the right care and attention, your hedge of Osage Orange trees will provide a beautiful and functional boundary around your property for years to come.