How to plant a tree
A well planted tree makes a healthy tree
Spring (March through May) and Autumn (October through November) are the best times of the year to plant trees. Summer planting is not recommended. Heat and drought is especially stressful to new transplants.
Digging the hole -
In all but sandy soils dig the hole 1 to 2 inches less than the depth of the root ball and two to three times as wide.
Installing the tree -
Carefully remove the tree from the container, cut matted and excess roots at the bottom. Set the root ball so its top is one to two inches above grade. Backfill with originally soil (removed earlier) and gently firm the soil to hold the tree in place and minimize air pockets. Build a 4-inch berm directly around the root ball to hold water.
Adding mulch -
Add organic mulch such as leaf litter, shredded bark or wood chips. Mulch three to four inches thick helps protect tree roots from temperature extremes, conserves soil moisture, and helps prevent weeds from competing for nutrients. Shredded bark and larger wood chips also protects against lawn mowers and weed eaters from hitting the trunk. Keep the mulch 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk. No volcano mulching.
Water regularly -
It is best to water a tree when planted. Watering regularly with 10 to 15 gallons during the growing season will promote healthy development. Water about once a week during growing season, this fluctuates with climate conditions. Reduce watering in early fall as the tree stops growing for winter. Over watering and under watering will have a negative impact on a tree.
