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Tree Planting GuideOnce you pick out the perfect tree, it's important that you plant your tree correctly to ensure decades of shade and energy savings. Step One: PrepareCall Underground Service Alert four working days before you start digging to make sure that the spot you've chosen for your tree does not have any underground lines that would endanger you or others while planting. Step Two: Dig Your HoleClear the planting site of any grass or weeds. Dig a hole about 4 feet wide in the shape of a square or circle. Dig the hole 16 inches deep on the sides, but only 8 inches in the center to create a pedastal. Step Three: Place Your TreeCarefully remove the tree's rootball from its container, and using your hands, gently loosen any outside roots from the sides and bottom, taking care not to break or damage the rootball. All circling roots should be cut to prevent girdling. Step Four: FertilizeBackfill the hole with the soil you removed (original soil). Discard any grass and weeds from the soil. Do not add soil amendments. If you have fertilizer tablets, place them about 4 inches from the rootball approximately 4 inches deep in the soil. Do not crush the tablets: they are designed for slow release. Step Five: Finish Up!Finish backfilling the hole, but remember not to cover the top of the rootball, which is the root crown. Remove the nursery stake, if your tree came tied to one. If your tree is sturdy enough to hold itself upright, do not restake. Last Minute TouchesIf the tree needs help to stand upright, use two stakes and ties. Place the stakes on opposite sides of the tree, approximately 18 inches from the trunk. Each tie should be placed around the trunk and attached to a stake. Place the ties so the tree stands without leaning, but tie them loosely enough to allow for growth and movement. Periodically check the stakes and ties to ensure that they are not harming the trunk or branches. Usually the tree is able to stand alone within 1 year of planting and the stakes should be removed when the tree is stable. Newly Planted Tree CareWater thoroughly right after planting to soak the planting area and settle the soil. Create a water basin around your newly planted tree.The basin should be at least 4 feet wide with an edge built up to at least 4 inches high. This serves to conserve water and direct moisture to the tree's rootball. In winter, break the berm down to avoid standing water, which could kill the tree. Spread mulch or wood chips about 6 inches deep over the entire planting area, leaving a bare 4 inch to 6 inch area directly around the trunk. Protect your trees from dogs, cats or other animals with chicken wire or fencing. Take Care of Your TreeThe key to growing healthy and beautiful trees is your stewardship of your newly-planted trees. Although caring for your trees does require scheduled attention by you, it is not difficult or demanding work. Please take care of your trees so that they may provide years of shade and beauty. Plant your trees as soon as possible, giving them room to grow. DrowningCheck root moisture for newly planted trees. Do not be fooled by surface soil conditions: check the soil 4 inches to 6 inches deep. The soil should be moist, not soggy. Deep water by placing the hose against the trunk and letting the water drip all day or night. Properly apply woodchips/mulch. SuffocationDo not plant too deeply. The root crown (where trunk meets the roots) should be 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches above ground level. ChokingBe sure that you have properly staked the tree. This allows for trunk movement, encouraging strong and straight growth. |
