While
planting a tree in your yard may seem intimidating, all it takes is a little
muscle and some good know-how. Follow these guidelines from the expert
arborists at the Tree Care Industry Association:
- Measure the height and diameter
of the root ball or root spread.
- Dig the hole just deep enough
to allow the first structural root to be at level grade. The diameter of
the hole should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball or
root spread.
- Set the tree on undisturbed
solid ground in the center of the hole. The tree should be planted so that
the root flare, the base of the tree trunk where the roots begin to
"flare-out," will be visible above grade.
- Backfill with soil from the
planting hole, using water to pack or settle the soil around the root
ball. Do not tamp soil by stepping on it.
- Mulch the planting area with 2
- 4 inches of an organic, composted mulch such as wood chips. Do not mulch
up to or against the trunk. Start the mulch six inches away from the tree
trunk.
- Trees should be pruned after
planting to remove broken, damaged, diseased or dead branches.
- Stake and/or protect the trunk
of the tree if there is a real potential for wind damage or lawn-mower
injury. Remove the supportive wires and materials when the staking is no
longer needed or the tree could be injured or even killed.
- Prune to develop a good branch
structure once the tree has become established in its new home, usually 1
- 3 years after planting. Never remove more than 25 percent of total
foliage in one year.
Fertilizing is not recommended at the time of
planting.
