Planting Your Tree

Choose the Right Tree
Planting a tree starts with planning. Pick the right tree for the right spot.

Consider the Planting Site
Give your attention to the planting site you have in mind. What will be your tree’s mature size and form (limb pattern)? Does your tree prefer full sun or shade, alkaline (>7.0pH) or acid (<7.0pH) soils, moist or dry sites? Where will the tree be planted? Before you begin planting your tree, be sure all underground lines (i.e., phone, utility, sewer/drain) have been located in your yard. Look up and around to avoid an overhead utility line, a security light, sidewalk, or building nearby that could restrict the growth of the tree.

Storing the Tree
If planting is delayed a few days, keep the roots moist by putting the tree in a protected place to keep it from drying out by sunlight and wind.

Preparing the Hole
Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and as much as three times as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Breaking up the soil around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to grow into loose soil to hasten establishment.

Placing Your Tree
Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The tree’s root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be just above the top of the soil. Don’t dig the hole too deep.  It is better if the root collar is slightly (1 to 2”) higher than ground level because of possible settling.

Fill the Hole
Carefully fill the hole with the soil when the tree is positioned and straight. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and lightly push the soil around the base of the root ball. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to gently but firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause the roots to dry out. Don’t plant the tree too deep. Back fill the soil to the height just below the root collar.

Mulch the Tree
Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the tree. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk. Mulch can be aged wood chips or bark. Mulch helps keep roots moist and insulates them, and prevents weed growth. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

Water the Tree
Water the tree well as soon as you plant it. Water the tree at least once a week for the first year after planting. A slow, root-saturating, one-hour trickle once a week is recommended for a new tree. The watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly if it rains or is very dry. Not watering newly planted trees is the most common reason they die. In the second year after planting, water the tree well during prolonged dry periods.

Bernheim Horticulture
April 2006