How to Plant a Tree in 12 Easy Steps
Planting a tree benefits the environment significantly and it’s easier than you think. Just follow the steps below.
1. Select the right tree for your location.
Use a tree that will grow well in your part of the state and make sure it has plenty of room — vertically and horizontally — for the canopy and roots to grow.
2. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root ball.
Dig a square hole no deeper than the root ball. This keeps the roots from settling to deep while still allowing them to penetrate the surrounding soil.
3. Fill the empty hole with water and check the drainage.
If it takes longer than 24 hours to drain, select another site. A tree will die if its roots are underwater for long periods of time.
4. Prune the tree sparingly and only if necessary.
Remove only dead, broken and diseased branches and roots that are crushed and girdling, or growing around the main stem. Removing even a small portion of healthy canopy actually slows root growth and delays establishment. A thoughtfully selected tree shouldn’t need to be pruned.
5. Set the tree in the hole with the root collar (just above the roots) flush or slightly above natural grade.
Planting too deep is a leading cause of mortality in newly planted trees. Don’t pick up the tree by the trunk. Always handle by the container or root ball.
6. Remove all foreign materials from the root ball.
This includes wires, twine, cords, containers and non-biodegrada...
