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Proper Planting - When to Plant - How to Properly Plant

Research a tree’s characteristics:

• How large will it get both in height and spread? Will it fit the spot when mature? What is its proximity to buildings, walks, the street, and overhead wires? The image pictured in the top right corner of your screen shows a tree planted too close to the house for its size.

• What do you want the tree to do? Provide shade? Screening? Aesthetics?

• How fast does it grow? How long will it take to accomplish the look you want?

• Water needs: Try to match similar water needs to existing trees in the area.

• Maintenance: Consider pruning needs and susceptibility to insects and diseases.

• Positive and negative characteristics: Does it display vivid fall color or flower in the spring? Does it shed seeds or messy fruit?

• Does this type of tree do well in this area? How about in your soil type?

• Cost: Consider planting a smaller tree that costs less. Studies show that smaller trees catch up to larger trees because they acclimate faster.

• Think of a tree as a life-long commitment that your family and friends will enjoy for years to come.

When To Plant

The best time to plant a tree was years ago; the next best time is now!

Trees can be planted year-round, as long as the ground is not frozen. We prefer, however, to target spring and fall planting when temperature fluctuations are less likely to be extreme. Planting in hot weather, for example, requires a stringent watering regimen.

How To Properly Plant

Correct planting is critical to a tree’s short and long-term viability. Planting too deeply, in too small of a hole, and without taking off baskets and twine can all be fatal mistakes. Proper follow up watering is also critical.

Plant so the root crown is at ground level or slightly higher. If soil drainage is poor, the top of the root ball should be two to four inches above grade.

Take off all, or at least the top half, of the wire basket, burlap, and all twine.

Hole should be wide (two and a half times root ball size or larger) but not too deep. Bottom of the root ball should sit on undisturbed soil so it will not settle.

Backfill bottom half with soil dug from hole; top half can be slightly amended.

Use the extra dirt to build a small moat around the hole to direct water to the root ball.

Top dress with two to three inches of organic mulch, but be sure not to have any mulch touching the trunk.

Stake only if needed. If root ball is firm, it may not need staking. If staking is done, remove stakes after one year.

Be sure to water properly.





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