Tree Planting Advice

(Scroll down for advice on caring for newly planted trees)

Tools: shovel, rake, clippers, knife or handsaw, loose plastic guard (can be purchased at a nursery)

Optional: mycorrhizal supplement can help the tree roots establish in the first year. It can be purchased at a plant nursery or on line

Unwrap the roots - this depends on the type of packaging

Container: cut away container (use utility knife or pruning hand saw)
Ball and Burlap: cut away as much of the burlap as possible
Cage: cut away as much as you can and pull the rest down so that metal will not be above ground.

Expose Root Flare

Carefully remove surface soil to expose the tapered part of the trunk so that is that it is visible and exposed to air.

Detangle Roots

Trees raised in containers are often “pot bound” which means that the roots grow in a circular pattern.
Detangle roots with your fingers to stop this growth pattern, Tangled roots can strangle the tree.

Plant Tree

Measure depth and width of root ball with handle of shovel.
Dig a hole that is 2 -3 x the diameter of the root ball. Measure depth and width of hole using shovel Measure twice!. The Top of the root ball should be level with the existing ground plane.

Place Tree

Once Hole is at correct size and depth – place tree in hole.
One person should hold the tree straight
Check all angles to make sure the tree is straight 360 degrees. Step away at least 20 ft to check.
Remove all tags and everything wrapped around the tree and its trunk

Fill in Hole

Remove any Rocks or large solid objects
Thoroughly compact the dirt by stomping with feet
If the soil around tree is not compacted the tree will likely lean.
When there is 10” left to fill in, add any mycorrhizal supplement all along the border of the root ball.
Fill in remainder of hole

Finishing Touches

Spread remaining dirt with rake
Add a plastic guard to protect the tree from rabbits, mowers, deer. It should be LOOSE, and must be removed when the tree grows and the guard becomes too small