Tree planting tips

Following a few simple practices will increase your new tree's chances of a long, healthy life

If you're going to the trouble of finding the right tree for your garden, you want to give it every possible advantage at planting time. The first few years after planting are a critical time for the young tree to grow, establish adequate roots, and become resilient. Fortunately, there are many things a gardener can do to help during this critical period.

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Getting ready to plant

Once a new tree is delivered, remove all packaging, including plastic, twine, wrap, and nursery stock, from the trunk and branches. For ball and burlap trees (B&B)—that is, a soil and root ball dug from a nursery field and covered with burlap and wire cage—remove as much burlap, wire cage, and twine as possible. . If you can't get them all, cut one-third to one-half of the top of the wire cage and burlap. If the tree is in a plastic container, remove the entire root mass from the container.

Next, carefully dig a planting hole that is as high as the root ball and two to three times as wide, and taper the sides. Avoid sites with compacted soil, as the tree's roots may not be able to grow out of their original planting hole to find water, air, and nutrients. If the tree is in a plastic container, find and expose the root collar, and pull loose the roots on the sides and bottom of the root mass, especially those that circle the trunk or pot. Place the root mass in the planting hole with the root collar just above the soil level.

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Getting your tree in the ground

To prepare the B&B tree root mass for planting, locate and expose the root collar. Place the root ball into the planting hole with the root collar just above the soil level. Backfill the planting hole with the same original soil. Check that the trunk of the tree is vertical and straight. Stocking is optional; This is especially useful if the root ball is unstable or the stem is bent.

Post-planting process

Water the tree at least 5 gallons at planting time. Check soil moisture 6 inches below the surface at least weekly during the first three years and more often in hot, dry weather. Water when dry, yielding about 2 gallons of water per inch of stem diameter. A rule of thumb is to soak 10 gallons of water weekly for a new tree.

Apply organic mulch at the base of the tree. When done properly, mulch retains soil moisture, provides nutrients, and discourages weeds. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch (eg, shredded bark, hardwood chips, shredded leaves, or screened compost) on top of the soil, extending at least 3 feet from the trunk. Pull the mulch back 3 to 5 inches from the base of the stems. Too much mulch piled against the trunk of a tree can cause root problems.

Prune branches infrequently and remove any that are dead, damaged, diseased, or dying, as they provide an entry point for pests and disease.