Planting New Trees
Ideally it is best to plant new trees during their dormant season, which means in the fall after the leaves have dropped, or in the early spring before buds break open. After choosing the tree you want to plant, and deciding on its location, be sure to check with JULIE first (online or call 811). It’s always wise to assume that you really don’t know where all the underground utilities may be, and JULIE works quickly to mark these for you.
Trees that have been properly cared for at the garden center can be planted throughout the growing season. Now it’s your turn to give your tree proper care during planting.
Remove all wire as well as any string from the top third of the root ball. Now pack the soil around the root ball, eliminating any air pockets. Use water to help settle the soil a few inches at a time. Air pockets may cause the roots to dry out, so do this in several steps.. Your tree will probably not need to be staked. Only stake if absolutely necessary, and remove stakes as soon as it is practical to do so.
Trees that have been properly cared for at the garden center can be planted throughout the growing season. Now it’s your turn to give your tree proper care during planting.
Preparation
The hole should be 3 times the diameter of the root ball, and only as deep as the root ball. Locate the trunk flare. This is where the tree roots spread at the base of the tree. The trunk flare should still be partly visible after the planting is completed. Therefore it is most important to determine the proper planting depth. The majority of roots develop in the top 12” of soil (note diagram). Take the time to be sure you don’t plant your tree or bush too deeply.Straightening
Next, be sure to straighten your tree. It is good to have a helper at this stage if you weren’t lucky enough to have one before. One person holds the tree as straight as possible and the other walks to different sides to be sure the tree is straight in its hole from all angles.Remove all wire as well as any string from the top third of the root ball. Now pack the soil around the root ball, eliminating any air pockets. Use water to help settle the soil a few inches at a time. Air pockets may cause the roots to dry out, so do this in several steps.. Your tree will probably not need to be staked. Only stake if absolutely necessary, and remove stakes as soon as it is practical to do so.