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Slope exposure
Trees with thin bark such as cherries, plums, maples, mountain ash and others transplant poorly on southern and western slopes especially at higher elevations.
Bark often splits from direct sun exposure and desiccation. Trunks are sometimes coated with white latex paint to reflect light and help prevent this injury. There are also trunk wraps, polypropylene tubes and other protective devices designed to reduce this damage.
Transpiration and evaporation from the soil are also enhanced on the south and west aspect making it more difficult to maintain adequate soil moisture. Because of this, plan on providing more irrigation to southern and western exposures to help prevent desiccation. Northern slopes are more protected from direct sun exposure and the soil here stays moist longer.
