Tree Planting Tips

Trees are the long-lasting framework of our landscape. Follow these important planting tips to insure the health and longevity of your plants.

Make sure the root flare, the place where the roots flare away from the trunk, is at or slightly above the soil surface.

Dig the planting hole the same depth as the distance between the root flare and bottom of the root ball. Digging deeper can result in the soil settling and creating a water collecting depression around your tree. Make the hole at least 3 to 5 times wider than the root ball.

Roughen the sides of the planting hole to avoid glazed soil that can prevent roots from growing into the surrounding soil.

Remove burlap and wire baskets that can interfere with rooting and eventually girdle the roots.

Water thoroughly at planting and whenever the top 4 to 6 inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist.

Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of wood chips over the surrounding soil. And pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rot and disease.

Wait a year to fertilize your newly planted tree.

A bit more information: Always call 811, the free utility locating service, at least three days before planting. They will locate underground utilities so you can avoid damage and personal injury caused by digging into buried utilities.