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How to Plant a Tree
The instructions below will help you plant your tree. You can also view the tree planting video below.
Print this guide and have it with you on planting day: Proper planting techniques.
How to Properly Plant a Tree on Vimeo.
Before You Dig
Call Underground Service Alert four working days before you start digging to make sure that the spot you've chosen for your tree does not have any underground lines that would endanger you and others taking part in the planting.
The toll-free number for this free service is: (800) 227-2600.
Planting Your Young Tree
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Remove and discard grass and weeds in a 4-foot-wide circle.
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Dig your hole 4 feed wide and 8 to 10 inches deep. Score the sides of the hole so the hoe is not smooth.
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Dig an additional 8 inches of soil around the edge to create a solid 12-inch-wide pedestal in the center of the hole.
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Remove the entire root ball from the container. Thoroughly loosen and extend side and bottom roots from the root ball. Cut any roots circling the root ball with a sharp tool.
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Place the root ball on the pedestal so the root crown (where to trunk meets the roots) is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the surrounding ground level.
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Place the existing soil back in the hole. Do not place grass or weeds in the hole. When backfilling the hole, avoid air pockets by lightly tamping, but don't compact the soil. Refill the hole only up to the top of the root ball.
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Water your newly planted tree deeply after planting.
For staking information...
Now That It's Your Tree
The key to growing healthy and beautiful trees is your stewardship of your newly-planted trees.
Although caring for your trees does require scheduled attention by you, it is not difficult or demanding work. Please take care of your trees so that they may provide years of shade and beauty.
Tree Survival Tips
Plant your trees as soon as possible, giving them room to grow.
Drowning
Check root moisture for newly planted trees. Do not be fooled by surface soil conditions: check the soil 4 inches to 6 inches deep. The soil should be moist, not soggy. Deep water by placing the hose against the trunk and letting the water drip all day or night. Properly apply woodchips/mulch.
Suffocation
Do not plant too deeply. The root crown (where trunk meets the roots) should be 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches above ground level.
Choking
Be sure that you have properly staked the tree. This allows for trunk movement, encouraging strong and straight growth.