Tree Planting 101

It is important to plant a tree properly otherwise you may stunt its growth, the roots will not be strong and it may be uprooted in strong wind or gush of water.

  1. Which tree? A native tree is happiest. You can visit a local nursery, use google or ask an environmental student about which trees are best for your area.
  2. When? Plant most tree species in the autumn or early spring. Cool weather is the best time for planting since the trees are dormant during that time. Planting a tree in late spring or summer, when the roots are actively growing, puts too much stress on the tree and it may not survive. Plant just before the rainy season.
  3. Where? Pick an open, flat area away from buildings, powerlines, and utilities. Make sure there’s plenty of room for the tree to grow to maturity. Make sure you are not digging into underground cables or pipes!
  4. Sun or shade? Make sure your chosen location gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Light needs vary depending on the tree species, so you’ll want to check your specs.
  5. How to prepare? Water the soil on planting day before you dig the hole. Give the planting location a good hose down to moisten the soil and make it easier to turn. Moist soil is also more hospitable and minimizes root stress for a newly transplanted tree
  6. How to dig? Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball (Often people dont do this – remember the roots need lots of space to grow sideways, not just down. Dig the hole down to the same depth as the root ball. If you plant too deep, the roots will struggle to get oxygen and eventually smother. Water may also pool around the base of the tree,
  7. Planting – nestle the root ball in the hole and refill with the soil you dug out. Pack it down gently
  8. Watering – water deeply now . You will need to keep the tree moist for the next two years so make sure you have a watering plan!!. Form a little dam around the tree so the water seeps in , and mulch to keep the tree moist.

Enjoy!
Reference: https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Tree