Planting a New Tree
A new tree is an investment that can last a lifetime. Position it
carefully since it will be around for years and its large size makes
poor placement a major headache.
When planting a tree, know its maximum height and spread, information
that's usually on the label. Plant it far enough away from houses,
outbuildings, power lines, and other permanent structures so that even
when mature, the tree won't touch. Also be sure to plant it far enough
away from other trees or it may grow leaning away from the others,
trying to get maximum light.
Fall is the best time to plant a tree, but you can also plant in the
spring. Whenever you plant, avoid hot, sunny days.
Tools
Spade
Hand pruning shears
Scissors
Hose
Materials
Tree
Wood chip mulch
There are 3 steps in this project.
Dig the hole four times as wide as the root ball but slightly
less than its depth to minimize settling. Make a mound in the
center to support the trunk and to encourage the roots to
spread.
If the tree is bareroot, position it on the mound. If it's in a
container, knock it from the container if possible. If that's
too difficult, cut away the container with a hand shears. If the
tree is balled and wrapped in burlap, you'll have to decide
whether to partially or completely remove the burlap. If the
burlap is treated or plasticized, remove it completely. If it's
natural burlap, loosen it from the root ball of the tree, then
drop it in your planting hole. The natural burlap will
disintegrate.
Loosen any roots that encircle the root ball. Position the tree
in the hole, putting it at the same level it was in the
container or burlap. (In a large hole, check to see if the tree
is level with the surrounding soil by laying a long-handled rake
or spade across the hole.) Fill the hole halfway with soil -- a
mixture of 1/2 peat moss 1/2 topsoil -- and water gently. Fill
the hole completely and form a saucer around the tree to retain
water. Fill the saucer with water, let it drain, and then fill
again. Mulch with a 2-3 inch deep layer of wood chips to
conserve moisture and prevent competition from weeds and grass.
The mulch should go out as far as the tree's branches. Keep well
watered for the first two weeks and give it additional water
during dry spells for the next two to three years.
![[Company Logo Image]](../_borders/HG%20LOGO%20COLOR%20PMS%20copy.jpg)
Dig the hole four times as wide as the root ball but slightly
less than its depth to minimize settling. Make a mound in the
center to support the trunk and to encourage the roots to
spread.
If the tree is bareroot, position it on the mound. If it's in a
container, knock it from the container if possible. If that's
too difficult, cut away the container with a hand shears. If the
tree is balled and wrapped in burlap, you'll have to decide
whether to partially or completely remove the burlap. If the
burlap is treated or plasticized, remove it completely. If it's
natural burlap, loosen it from the root ball of the tree, then
drop it in your planting hole. The natural burlap will
disintegrate.
Loosen any roots that encircle the root ball. Position the tree
in the hole, putting it at the same level it was in the
container or burlap. (In a large hole, check to see if the tree
is level with the surrounding soil by laying a long-handled rake
or spade across the hole.) Fill the hole halfway with soil -- a
mixture of 1/2 peat moss 1/2 topsoil -- and water gently. Fill
the hole completely and form a saucer around the tree to retain
water. Fill the saucer with water, let it drain, and then fill
again. Mulch with a 2-3 inch deep layer of wood chips to
conserve moisture and prevent competition from weeds and grass.
The mulch should go out as far as the tree's branches. Keep well
watered for the first two weeks and give it additional water
during dry spells for the next two to three years.