Tree Planting Tips and Steps to Guide You
Trees are a wonderful addition to any landscape. They add shade, beauty, and function to a yard. If you're looking to plant a tree, whether you plan to move one from another location or buy one from a store, here are some tree planting tips to guide you.
1. Dig Your Hole
Whether you are relocating a tree or buying a potted one from a store, the first step to getting it planted is a hole. the hole depth Should be the same height as its previous location. For a potted tree, this would be the height of the pot, If relocating, be sure to measure the depth of the roots after removing the tree from its home.
The width of the hole should be about three times as wide as the tree's root mass. For a potted tree just make this a measurement based on the size of the pot. This is the best guide to avoid planting the tree too low. A tree too low in the ground with loose soil around it has a higher risk of root rot as water collects around the roots in the pockets created by the soil settling. Now that the hole is ready for your tree, it's time to make your tree ready for the hole.
If this seems too difficult, and oftentimes it is, feel free to hire a local Turlock landscaper to get the job done quickly and safely.
The width of the hole should be about three times as wide as the tree's root mass. For a potted tree just make this a measurement based on the size of the pot. This is the best guide to avoid planting the tree too low. A tree too low in the ground with loose soil around it has a higher risk of root rot as water collects around the roots in the pockets created by the soil settling. Now that the hole is ready for your tree, it's time to make your tree ready for the hole.
If this seems too difficult, and oftentimes it is, feel free to hire a local Turlock landscaper to get the job done quickly and safely.
2. Prepare Your Tree for Planting
A potted tree will need to be taken from its pot and assessed. Most plant nurseries will have the roots wrapped in some way. If there is a material around the roots it will need to be cut or ripped away entirely. Once this is done, a ball of roots wound together will be left. For both a store-bought tree and a relocated tree the roots should be disturbed before planting. Roots tightly wound will not absorb water correctly and could end up dying only months after planting. Look at the roots and move them around, disentangling them.
If necessary cut some away or trim them at the bottom. This should be done as gently as possible to avoid as much damage to the roots as possible, although some will inevitably be damaged in the process. The way the roots are set in the ground at planting is how they will grow going forward and, in turn, the overall health of the tree, so some root loss is better than losing the whole tree.
When you're satisfied with the roots, set the tree in the hole and arrange the roots where you would like them to grow. The extra space in the hole will allow the roots to grow unhindered, so don't worry if it seems quite wide. With your tree in place, the next step is reburying the roots.
If necessary cut some away or trim them at the bottom. This should be done as gently as possible to avoid as much damage to the roots as possible, although some will inevitably be damaged in the process. The way the roots are set in the ground at planting is how they will grow going forward and, in turn, the overall health of the tree, so some root loss is better than losing the whole tree.
When you're satisfied with the roots, set the tree in the hole and arrange the roots where you would like them to grow. The extra space in the hole will allow the roots to grow unhindered, so don't worry if it seems quite wide. With your tree in place, the next step is reburying the roots.
3. Burying the Roots
When reburying the tree it is important to use the same soil that came out of the hole. A difference in the soil around the tree from the surrounding area will negatively impact how the soil absorbs water which could result in the roots getting too wet or too dry.
Hand pack the soil around the roots of the tree to eliminate as much air as possible. When the hole is about half-filled around the tree, go ahead and water it. The tree has been dry for quite a bit during this process so watering now will give it some much-needed water, but watering half-way through will also help with eliminating air pockets around the roots.
Finish filling in the soil making sure not to cover the above-ground roots of the tree. Water this second layer of soil thoroughly, then be sure not to step on this soil until it had had time to settle. Another layer of soil may be needed after settling. Your soil is wet, your tree is planted, now let's give it an extra layer of protection.
Hand pack the soil around the roots of the tree to eliminate as much air as possible. When the hole is about half-filled around the tree, go ahead and water it. The tree has been dry for quite a bit during this process so watering now will give it some much-needed water, but watering half-way through will also help with eliminating air pockets around the roots.
Finish filling in the soil making sure not to cover the above-ground roots of the tree. Water this second layer of soil thoroughly, then be sure not to step on this soil until it had had time to settle. Another layer of soil may be needed after settling. Your soil is wet, your tree is planted, now let's give it an extra layer of protection.
4. Add Mulch to the Mound
Mulch around the tree as wide as the original hole or wider. Make this layer about three inches deep, but keep it away from the trunk of the tree. Mulching is a very helpful step in maintaining the health of a tree.
It prevents weeds and competitors from taking root around the tree, retains temperature and moisture, and gradually releases nutrients into the soil. The planting process is complete, but your tree still needs regular care to keep it hearty and healthy.
It prevents weeds and competitors from taking root around the tree, retains temperature and moisture, and gradually releases nutrients into the soil. The planting process is complete, but your tree still needs regular care to keep it hearty and healthy.
5. Caring for Your Tree After its Planted
Avoid staking and pruning as much as possible. Some trees may need support that can be offered through staking. In this case place wooden stakes a good distance from the trunk planting firmly in the soil. Use a soft material to tie the stake to the trunk to support the tree.
Staking should only be necessary for a year at most, so remove the stakes as soon as they are not necessary. Pruning can be performed on dead or rubbing branches, but over-pruning will damage the tree's health so and clipping should be done with great care.
For the first year after planting watering the tree regularly is vital for roots to grow and thrive. Water the tree twice a week until it is established, and be sure to remove any weeds and fertilize alongside this. After the first year, watering your tree once a year and during droughts is sufficient for keeping it healthy.
Planting a tree is as easy as these five steps and will enhance your yard's appeal dramatically. We are experts in Turlock tree services, so give us a call today for help with planting, pruning or extracting your landscape's trees!
We are experts in landscape maintenance, so reach out to us today for your fast, free quote. We also provide sprinkler installation and landscape lighting installation for a jealousy-inducing yard you'll love!
Have a messy yard you'd like to look brand new? Call us today for a free yard cleanup and restoration quote too!
Staking should only be necessary for a year at most, so remove the stakes as soon as they are not necessary. Pruning can be performed on dead or rubbing branches, but over-pruning will damage the tree's health so and clipping should be done with great care.
For the first year after planting watering the tree regularly is vital for roots to grow and thrive. Water the tree twice a week until it is established, and be sure to remove any weeds and fertilize alongside this. After the first year, watering your tree once a year and during droughts is sufficient for keeping it healthy.
Planting a tree is as easy as these five steps and will enhance your yard's appeal dramatically. We are experts in Turlock tree services, so give us a call today for help with planting, pruning or extracting your landscape's trees!
We are experts in landscape maintenance, so reach out to us today for your fast, free quote. We also provide sprinkler installation and landscape lighting installation for a jealousy-inducing yard you'll love!
Have a messy yard you'd like to look brand new? Call us today for a free yard cleanup and restoration quote too!