Before you plant your new tree, it's important to know some fundamentals. We've prepared this step-by-step tree planting guide with best practices for healthy and happy trees.
What You Need
- A young tree in a container
- Large capacity watering can
- Rooting stimulator
- Mulch
Dig a Hole
Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the container the tree is in. Make it just deep enough to keep the top of the root ball at ground level for deciduous trees. For evergreens, you want the root ball to protrude above the ground by up to an inch, depending on the size of the tree. Burying the trunk any deeper can cause life-threatening issues for your tree.
Prepare your Backfill
Mix some compost into the soil you removed from the hole, at a ratio of no more than 1:3 compost to soil. It's not typically recommended to make your backfill any richer than this, as your tree will need to adapt to the native soil it's going to be living in for years to come. If you'd like us to recommend a compost product for your particular tree or soil conditions, feel free to ask one of the experts at Petree's.
Prepare the Root Ball
Be careful not to break the root ball. Gently remove your tree from its container. Do not lift the tree by its trunk. If it is root-bound, carefully cut 5 to 6 vertical slits around the root ball to encourage new growth. Remove any ties or tags around the trunk.
Plant the Tree
First, wet the hole thoroughly. Set the tree down into the hole, centering the root ball and checking for proper depth. If burlap is present, do not remove it, as it contains fine "feeder" root hairs. Add the amended soil back into the hole until it's about half full, firmly tamp it down to remove air pockets, and water. Repeat this step once more to completely fill the hole. Remember not to build up the soil around the trunk. The roots need oxygen. Around the circumference of the hole, mound the soil into a berm to create a basin to help retain water.
Water in the Root Stimulator
Allow time for the water to drain, then water again using the root stimulator. We recommend Hormex Vitamin B1 and Rooting Hormone Concentrate, at a dilution of 1 teaspoon of product to 1 gallon of water, for the best results and protection against transplant shock. Two weeks after planting, apply the root stimulator again, following the same instructions.
Mulch
Add a 2-inch layer of mulch inside the basin around the newly planted tree, taking care to leave space around the trunk to avoid rot or insect infestations. Good mulches for water retention include shredded or chipped bark, gravel, and compost or top dressing. Maintain the layer of mulch year-round for at least the first two seasons after planting your tree.
Watering and Care
Water your newly planted tree 2 to 3 times a week for the first two growing seasons, when the ground is not frozen, while it's establishing its root system.
Don't let the soil get too soggy.
Starting the second year, you can begin fertilizing your tree using a humate-based, slow-release fertilizer.
