Below are step by step instructions for properly planting a tree.
- Dig a hole about 1-1/2 times wider and about 1-1/4 deeper than the size of the tree’s root ball, putting the dirt you dig out in one pile to the side.
- Measure depth of hole and compare to height of root ball.
- Backfill the hole till the depth of hole is about 1-2 inches less deep than the top of the root ball is in height
- Tamp dirt in bottom of hole.
- Move pot close to hole then hit in lower part of 3 sides of pot to loosen roots from container.
- Tilt pot on its side and gently pull plant from pot. Check to make sure no roots are sticking to bottom of pot.
- Score the sides of root ball to break the circular growth of roots
- Put root ball into hole, making sure that it is straight.
- Fill around the sides, tamping dirt as you go until you have filled up to 1-2 inches from height of root ball. Look at stem-bottom should be 1-2 inches above dirt line and stem straight.
- Tamp it down all around the top.
- Make sure the dirt is smooth and even as an uneven surface causes puddling of water.
- Cover with about 2-3 inches of mulch; do not touch stem. Again making it smooth and even.
- Move extra dirt to use for filling lower areas somewhere else.
Watering a newly planted tree is vital the first year
Water the tree once or twice after you plant it. When you plant a tree in the fall, stop watering it in the winter months and start back watering around the end of April, then continue through the summer and fall the first year. You want to balance between overwatering and letting roots dry and die back. Learn more about when to water your tree here.
