So you want to plant a tree? Wonderful! There is more to be done than simply digging a hole in the ground. Below are some easy to follow guidelines to insure your tree is happy and healthy in its new home.

If you would like help, our Arborists are the very best at planting trees. We can help you choose the best tree for the location, based on your needs – we’ll take into consideration the shade the tree will provide, how fast it will grow so that it will not outgrow it’s location, and if it will thrive in the location with the existing irrigation and light conditions. When you have us plant a tree for you, we also provide a Tree Planting Watering Instructions & Warranty brochure, view the PDF »

Step 1: Select the right time of year for planting the tree. 

In general, April and May are the best times to plant a tree in the Northern hemisphere, because the tree has all summer to grow and get accustomed to its new home. You can also plant certain trees in September and October, as the weather is cooler and will put less stress on the new tree.

Step 2: Check to see if there are any local requirements about digging.

This step is to make sure that when you dig, you do not run into any telephone or cable lines.  Simply call 811 in the US to get your underground utility lines marked for free.

Step 3: Choose a suitable tree for the region, climate, and space.

Picking a tree native to your area is the simplest choice.  Native species tend to adapt and thrive.  A native tree will be the easiest to care for.

Step 4: Prepare the hole. 

Use a shovel and dig a hole that is 4-5 times the width of the root ball, leaving a pedestal of dirt in the center, about ½ inch higher than the rest of the hole.  This large hole allows the roots to easily grow outwards towards the soil.  The pedestal prevents the root ball from continuously sitting in water.

Step 5: Prepare the tree for planting. 

If it is a small tree, then you can turn it upside down gently to get it out of the pot.

If the tree is larger and is wrapped in netting or burlap, place the tree in the hole and then cut off its wrapping.  Keep as much dirt on the root ball as possible.

Don’t leave a tree’s roots out too long, especially in sunny and windy conditions.

Step 6: Place the tree into the hole gently. 

The ground level of the plant in the pot should match up with the ground level after you fill the hole in. Do not bury over the crown (where the stem changes to root) or leave any roots exposed.

Step 7: Use some compost or composted manure if needed. 

If the soil that you currently have is not rich, has clay-like qualities or has the consistency of dust or sand, the addition of manure or compost will give the tree a great start in life.

Congratulations!  You’ve just planted a tree.  Now that the tree is planted, it still needs some tender loving care.  Below are a few steps to follow to give your tree the best start you can.

Step 1: Water the newly planted tree. 

Water one gallon for every six inches of tree height.   After the first watering, come back in about an hour and water one more time.  Let the ground dry out between watering, but continue to water your new tree weekly with a slow trickle until the roots are established. In the winter months, it is also very important to keep watering newly planted trees to help them get established in our dry climate.

Step 2: Use mulch.

Cover the planting hole with 1-3 inches of shredded hardwood or leaf mulch. Keep the mulch 2-3″ away from the trunk or the trunk will rot.

Step 3: Stake the tree if necessary, for about the first year. 

Make sure that whatever stakes you use are tied loosely to the trunk and do not dig into the bark or tighten around the tree. Remove the stakes once the roots have a chance to become established, after about the first year.

Step 4: Weed

Make sure to remove weeds that come within 4 feet of your new tree.

Step 5: Enjoy!

All trees are different and will have different watering and mulching needs.  Make sure to talk to your arborist about your trees specific needs.

Ongoing: Prune, Water and Fertilize

Contact our Mountain High Tree Arborists today and we can recommend the best ongoing care for your tree, such as trimming & pruning, fertilization, bug and disease control, and winter watering. 

Sources:
http://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Tree
http://www.treepeople.org/how-care-tree