How to Plant a Tree
Let’s Talk Trees
Just like people, trees require their own special care - from getting planted in their early years to ensuring they live long healthy lives providing a beautiful green canopy for generations to enjoy.
Location
Let’s start from the beginning. When picking the location for your new tree, you need to consider several circumstances such as: available space, soil adaptability, amount of sunlight, proper drainage, and proximity to irrigation and utility lines.
While most trees grow to be very tall, they also can expand very wide. So, when planting you need to be aware of it’s location in regard to any buildings, pathways you don’t want blocked, power line poles, or any objects/ places you don’t want the tree to eventually encroach upon.
Installation
Generally, if you have ever seen a tree prior to being planted, you know there is a large, wrapped-up root ball at the bottom comprised of canvas and wire. The majority of this wrap/ wire should be left alone, clipping off only the top portion. Also, be sure to remove any material that may be on the tree trunk itself. The hole being dug to plant the tree needs to be at least 2x as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the root ball itself. Once ready, place the tree in the center of the hole and surround the roots with a mixture of the removed soil and your choice of fertilizer; our first choice at CCL is Lesco’s CarbonPro-G. When burying, be sure to compact the soil to get rid of any air pockets.
…only a few more steps before your tree is planted and ready to grow!
Once your hole is filled, the crown of the root ball should still be showing. Using the native soil, create a gradual slope away from the trunk then slightly up again at the edge of the hole to form a well (a.k.a. a moat) holding the water surrounding the tree.
Applying mulch around the tree after planting has many benefits. This material conserves moisture in soil, improves fertility and health of soil, reduces weed growth and also enhances the visual appeal of the area. Leave a small donut hole around the trunk of the tree to allow breathing room and prevent waterlogging.
Finishing Up
Last but not least, young trees, just like young people, sometimes need help staying upright. A common way to do this is pound two or three wooden (or metal) stakes into the ground. Wrap canvas straps around the tree trunk, put a tie wire through the strap holes (please note: you can attach the two wire ends to a drill and twist them together creating a reinforced wire), then connect the wire to the wood stakes.
Vuahlah! Now you have a beautiful tree to enjoy for years to come!
