Tips and Tricks on How to Plant a Tree

So, you purchased a new leafy friend for your backyard. Congratulations! Adding a new tree to your landscaping not only increases the aesthetics of your yard, but, also offers many benefits such as providing shade for both your home and lawn, filtering air and water to reduce greenhouse gas emission, and even offering protection from harsh winter winds.

Now comes the hard part — finding a home for your new friend. Planting a tree is a lifelong investment and how much you benefit from that investment relies heavily on the planting location, method of planting, and the continuous care you provide your new plant. If you take care during the planting process of your sapling and get it off to a healthy start your new tree can offer you environmental, economic, and social benefits throughout its lifetime.

When to Plant a New Tree

Trees need a strong foundation to grow, so choosing the right time to plant them is pertinent. Since replanting any trees can result in what experts call Transplant Shock (“a state of slowed growth and reduced vitality following transplanting” ), it’s important to give your new plant the best start in its new home that you can.

Typically, you want to plant a new tree at a time that it will not be exposed to many outside stressors. IE. Blaring hot summer months or brisk cold winters. In Columbia, Missouri this means planting a new tree is best around late summer / early fall when the weather is most climitable. Of course, different types of trees require different needs and climate varies from year to year. Reference your local landscaping provider like Voss Landscaping & Tree Service if you have questions on the best time to plant a tree for the current year.

Tips on How to Plant a Tree

Keep in mind that when you purchase a tree it comes in one of three states: Bare Root where no soil is included, Containerized where the tree comes in a pot or container with soil, or Balled / Burlapped where the tree’s roots and are contained within a small sack. With each type of new tree comes with careful, varying ways to plant them to ensure their future longevity and growth.

 

Steps for Planting a Bare Root Tree

• Unpackage the tree and gently untangle its roots.

• Allow the roots to soak for up to six hours, making sure there is no risk for the roots to dry out during this time.

• Dig a large hole about 6-12 inches wider than the roots themselves to allow for optimal root growth.

• Plant the tree at an equal depth that you purchased. The roots should be completely submerged by the soil.

• Cover up the tree with your remaining soil from digging the hole. Firmly pack down the soil but do not compact aggressively. Your trees roots need some space to grow outward.

• Use additional soil to create a water-holding reservoir around your tree. Shower the tree in plenty of water.

• Once water has completely receded into the soil spread mulch around the base of the tree while avoiding touching the trunk. This will offer your new tree a protective layer.

• Offer your tree plenty of water during its first year of growth. Especially if planting during a dry summer

Steps for Planting a Containerized Tree

• Dig a bowl-like hole four times larger than the container your new tree came in.

• Gently remove the tree by wiggling it back and forth and slowly sliding it out of its container.. Be sure that the soil around the roots stays intact.

• Set the tree in the center of the hole you created. You want to plant the tree above its roots and just below the root collar. Use some soil to stabilize the tree in its hole. From there, fill in and firmly pack the remainder of the hole with the previously dug soil.

• Use additional soil to create a water-holding reservoir around your tree. Shower the tree in plenty of water.

• Offer your tree plenty of water during its first year of growth. Especially if planting during a dry summer

• Remove additional tags from the tree that may have been applied at the nursery. These have the potential to stunt your new trees growth.

Steps for Planting a Burlapped / Bagged Tree

• Dig a bowl-like hole 2-3 times as wide and as deep as the root ball for your new tree. The hole should have sloping sides.

• Place the tree in the middle of the hole. Ensure that the root collar of the tree is above ground level and the root ball will be completely submerged.

• Remove all rope, wire baskets, twine, or nails that are holding the sack of your new tree together.

• Remove any burlap, vinyl, or treated burlap from the bottom of the root ball under the roots.

• Ensure your tree is perpendicular with the ground and then firmly pack the original soil back into the hole you created.

• Use additional soil to create a water-holding reservoir around your tree. Shower the tree in plenty of water.

• Remove additional tags from the tree that may have been applied at the nursery.

• Trim any broken or dead branches

 

Tree Planting Services in Columbia, Missouri

Wanting to make sure your new tree gets the best care possible? Leave it up to the experts at Voss Landscaping & Tree to ensure your new sapling gets the jump start it deserves. Our certified Arborists offer an array of Tree Planting Services including detailed tree planting and installation.

Having a staff that is knowledgeable and passionate means that we understand the importance of keeping your new tree a valued asset and will adhere to professional standards that ensure we do not harm the value of your property! Contact Us today!

Source(s):

1. https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/plantingatree