How to Correctly Plant a Tree
Planting a new tree is not only an investment in your landscape but also your life. Trees literally last a lifetime offering enjoyment for decades and decades. Now, how your asset will prosper depends on the correct tree species you select for the location and how you plant it. Use these suggestions to start your new tree off right, so that you can have a lifetime of enjoyment from its beauty.
When to Plant a Tree
New trees are best planted when they are not growing or dormant. For most trees this will be between late autumn and early spring. This is the ideal time when they are dormant and will be able to handle the transition from one location to another. Additionally, weather conditions are cold allowing the tree to grow roots before to top, green growth occurs putting strain on it. Planting in the summer or during warm weather can lead to it dying or struggling to stay alive as the stress of replanting combined with it wanting to grow can be too much.
Tree Stress or Shock When Planting
When a tree is bailed or put into burlap, in preparation for it to be sold, a large portion of the root system is cut. As a result, the tree can often exhibit stress or shock. This condition can cause the tree to grow more slowly than normal and have a reduced ability to survive. Even container-grown trees can demonstrate shock or stress when their root system is cut as a result of removal from the container. It is important to have the planting location properly prepared and be careful when handling during this phase to reduce shock to the tree and promote its sustainability.
Steps to Correctly Plant a New Tree
These steps will ensure you plant your tree properly, reducing shock and promoting new, healthy growth:
These planting tips should help you get your new tree off to a great start.
- Call your local utility providers to identify all underground lines prior to digging
- Identify the tree flare. This is a point on the trunk where the trunk flares, or emerges from the root system. The trunk flare needs to be above the level of the ground after the tree is planted. It not, you will have planted the tree too deep in the hole.
- Dig a hole two to three times deeper and wider than the burlapped root ball or container. This wide and deep of hole will permit plenty of quality soil to be backfilled and oxygen around the roots.
- Locate the tree in the hole at the proper height, noting where the trunk flare emerges from the roots. Again, a tree planted too deep will be challenged to develop because the roots will not get enough oxygen, nutrients, and water.
- Be sure the tree is straight in the dug hole - use a level to verify the trunk is ninety degrees perpendicular to the ground level. You will want to take his measurement from several points around the diameter of the tree trunk.
- Backfill the hole with good quality topsoil, organic material, or other soil material - packing it firmly. Packing the soil around the roots will hold the tree in place and prevent it from tilting. Pack enough to reduce air pockets. Do not fertilize at this time. Fertilizing will cause unwanted growth at the expense of root system growth.
- Stake the tree, if desired. if you think the tree is not stable, you will need to stake a few located around it in order to ensure it doesn't grow in a leaning position.
- Spread mulch around the base of the tree to enhance water absorption and retention. Mulch can be any organic material that promotes moisture retention and provides nutrients. Mulch will also offer consistent soil temperatures around the base of the tree and cut down on weeds.
- Water the tree weekly, depending on weather conditions. Keep the area moist, but not over-watered. Depending on weather conditions you may need to water more if it is hot and dry and less if it a cool and rainy.
These planting tips should help you get your new tree off to a great start.