1) Consider WHY you are planting a tree.......
For shade?
For privacy?
For ecosystem restoration?
2) Consider the site you want to plant the tree on.....
Above/below ground issues?
Enough space for mature growth?
Is the area flat or sloped?
Is the soil over/under saturated?
Are there other trees around?
3) Select an appropriate species.......
Deciduous or Evergreen?
Fall color?
Pollinator friendly?
Fast/slow growing?
4) Dig a hole by hand or use a gas-powered auger....
Should be 3-5x wider than the container or root ball
Depth should be equal to height of container or root ball
Sides of hole should taper slightly up towards the surface
Scratch the sides and pack a small mound in the center
5) Prepare the root ball for planting.......
Position the tree close to the hole
Carefully remove the container OR wire basket & burlap
If roots are encircling carefully cut 1/2 - 1 inch vertically into all 4x sides
If root matted on bottom carefully cut 1/2 - 1 inch 'X' into bottom
6) Place the tree into the hole.......
Splay the 'X' outward and set the tree onto the small mound in the hole
Position the tree upright and facing the direction you choose
Make sure the tree is stable and the trunk flare is at the surface
7) Fill in the hole slowly......
Remove any grass or sod from the dug up soil
Chop the soil until uniform
Fill the hole a few inches at a time packing it down by hand and adding small
amounts of water as you go
Do not bury the trunk flare
8) Top dress the planting hole......
Create a soil berm around the hole to aid in water retention
Overlap the soil berm with natural mulch between 2-4 inches thick tapering down to
the trunk flare, but not touching the tree itself
9) Watering the tree........
Water the tree until the soil is saturated
Amount of water and frequency varies by site and species
If dry add water
If puddling wait to water
Comments