Tree Planting Checklist

Excellent.
Scores 4.72 with 88 votes
Tree Planting Checklist
  • Be sure it has enough room to reach its full potential and where it will not interfere with other plantings or power lines.
  • Consider whether a tree will grow well in your climate, whether it will block your view, and whether it will require more care than you can provide.
  • Ask your local municipality if your chosen spot interferes with water, sewer, or power lines.
  • The best time to plant a tree is when the ground has thawed, but the trees are still dormant. Of course, this only applies to cooler, four-season climates. In warm climates, winter is a great time to plant.
  • A hole that is twice as deep and wide as your tree’s root ball will give it plenty of room to grow.
  • Do not pack it down; it should be light and fluffy.
  • Be sure that the ground is at the same level on your tree's trunk as it was in the planting container. If you need to add or remove dirt from the bottom of the hole, do it now.
  • Do not add fertilizer, compost, or any other amendments. Fertilizing at this stage will encourage your tree’s root to grow inward instead of spreading out.
  • There should be a slight depression where the hole used to be. This will help your tree collect water and channel it to the roots.
  • Cover your planting hole with a 3-inch layer of mulch. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from your tree’s trunk.
  • It is wise to stake your tree for the first year to keep it growing straight. Use a wooden stake or a piece of rebar and pound it into the ground about a foot from your new tree. Use a broad, flexible material to tie your tree to the stake. A thick band or strong elastic will work well.
  • Every tree has different pruning requirements, but there is a lot of information available online.
Excellent.
Scores 4.72 with 88 votes

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