Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Choose the location and the tree
Step 2:
Dig a hole
Step 3:
Remove the root ball from the container
Step 4:
Plant and water the tree
Step 5:
Mulch the tree

2torial #0720:
Learn2 Plant a Tree

Setting down roots

Planting a tree is one of the nicest things you can do for your house and your neighborhood. It makes sound economic sense, too. Tree shade can reduce air conditioning costs by 15 to 50 percent. The windbreak that trees provide can shield houses from wind and snow, reducing heating costs by as much as 30 percent. Trees also increase property values, and they can provide colorful fall foliage and fond memories.

Planting trees is one of the easiest home improvement jobs you can do. We'll walk you through the steps of planting a tree, so you'll be able to watch it thrive in no time at all.

When's the best time to plant a tree? If you're planting a bare root tree, that is, a tree that doesn't come in a container and has its roots exposed, wait until the tree is dormant, usually in the fall or winter. But if you buy a tree that comes in a container or packaging, you can plant it at almost any time of the year. Ask the nursery where you plan to buy the tree if you have any questions.

You don't have to buy a huge tree to be successful in planting it. In fact, smaller trees live better and establish themselves faster. Plus, they're more economical to buy.

Buy your tree from a local nursery. The best will have healthy trees, reasonable prices, and be happy to answer questions you may have about where to plant the tree and how to care for it. After you buy the tree, make sure you keep the roots covered and moist before planting. Don't let the roots freeze or dry out, and keep them protected from wind and direct sunlight.

Choose the location and the tree

To begin with, take a look at your yard and decide where you want to plant your tree. What kind of soil and exposure will it get? What's your general geographic area?

Make sure the space you've chosen will allow enough room for the tree to grow. Are there utility lines overhead or utility cables underground? Get in touch with the local utility company if you're unclear about the location of underground cables.

Is the place you've chosen convenient for raking up falling leaves? Does it show your tree to advantage if you've chosen a flowering tree?

Once you've chosen where you're going to plant the tree, the simplest way to find out what kind of trees will thrive there is to consult a local nursery. They're already familiar with local soil types and climate, and they'll know what it takes to help trees grow successfully in your region. If you want to do further research, you can consult books in the library or try searching the Internet.

Dig a hole

When you've chosen your site and purchased your tree, it's time to dig a hole. You'll want the hole to be the right size to properly support the tree (with firm, undisturbed soil underneath) and yet give the roots plenty of space to breathe and grow. To do this, dig a hole that's twice as wide and an inch shallower than the tree's root ball. If you're planting a seedling, the hole should be several inches deeper than the root length.

To help the tender root tips penetrate the soil, roughen up the sides of your hole with the tip of the shovel blade. Smooth walls can be like cement to root tips.

If you have poor soil, adding organic matter can improve it. Your local nursery may have some suggestions, but most any type of organic matter can help, including grass clippings, manure, and compost. Use about one part organic matter to every three parts native soil.

Remove the root ball from the container

If your new tree came in a container, carefully lay the tree on the ground--be careful of the foliage--with the root ball near the hole. Hit the bottom and sides of the container until the root ball is loosened, and remove the container. You can also roll the pot from side to side to loosen the roots and soil.

If your tree came in some form of packaging, carefully unwrap the packaging materials and soak the roots in a bucket of water for 15 minutes. Don't let them sit too long, though, because roots actually breathe, and you might "drown" the tree.

Once you've moved the roots from the container or packaging, plant the tree quickly. The fragile root tips that absorb water and minerals die off when exposed to light and air.

Plant and water the tree

Gently loosen the roots so they'll point outward and downward, and place the tree in the center of the hole. Be sure to orient the tree the way you want it. For instance, you might want to make sure the most picturesque side faces the windows of your house. If it has more foliage on one side, turn that side toward the wind to protect the tree and let its other side fill out. When you turn the tree to adjust its orientation, make sure you lift it from the base of the root ball, not the base of the trunk.

This is also the time to make sure the tree is standing upright. If it's at a tilt in the ground, put extra soil under the lower side to lift it up.

Before you fill in dirt around the tree, make sure you won't be covering the root crown with soil. The root crown is the place where the roots end and the trunk begins. If you cover the crown with dirt, it will lead to rot at the base of the trunk. The root crown should be 1/2 to 1 inch above ground. When placed properly, there shouldn't be any exposed roots.

With one hand holding the tree, use the other hand to gently add soil around the roots. The tree should be able to stand up on its own now. When the hole is half-filled with dirt, water the area to help pack down the dirt and eliminate air pockets. After adding the rest of the soil, tamp it down with the heel of your foot or the rounded end of the shovel.

Once it's been planted, water the tree thoroughly. As you water, the soil may settle, and the planting may require more dirt. Add soil until the ground around the tree is level, and water again.

When the soil is fairly settled, make a basin to collect and hold water. To do this, just dig a shallow, narrow moat around the tree. It will fill with water whenever you water the tree, keeping the roots moist and happy, especially in the summer.

Mulch the tree

The tree may be successfully planted, but you're not done yet! You need to add mulch to cut down on water evaporation, keep the soil temperature cozy for the roots, provide nutrients, and discourage weeds and grass. You can use wood chips, pine needles, sawdust, leaves, or even gravel. Whatever you choose, add it to a depth of 2 to 3 inches above the level ground already surrounding the tree.

Keep your newly planted tree watered and happy. Your nursery can tell you how often you should water for best results, according to the type of tree and the climate you live in.

Now that you're finished planting, it's time to put up your shovel and start dreaming about all the summers to come, when you'll be resting in the shade of your new tree.

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