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How to Plant a Tree
Thinking about planting some trees, but not quite sure how to do it? Just follow our simple step-by-step tutorial and you’ll be sittin’ in the shade in no time.
Have the Necessary Equipment on Hand
Gather all the necessary equipment: shovel or mattock, compost, mulch, source of water and the tree you want to plant.
Dig a Wide Shallow Hole
Using the shovel, dig a wide, shallow hole twice the diameter of the rootball.
Properly Remove Tree from Container: Pat First
Pat the bottom of the container and gently pull the tree from the container.
Properly Remove Tree from the Container: Pull Gently
Pat the bottom of the container and gently pull the tree from the container.
Check for Circling Roots
Encircling roots will eventually kill the tree. Cut any root that circles more a quarter way around the rootball.
Depth of the Hole
The shallow depth of the hole should allow the top of the rootball to be 1 to 1 ½ inches above the ground.
Add Compost to Backfill
Add one to two shovels full of compost to the soil backfill and combine well.
Fill Halfway
Then fill half of the hole with the modified backfill.
Water Thoroughly
Water the soil thoroughly to remove any large air pockets and help settle the soil.
Fill Remainder
Add the remaining modified backfill to the hole.
Don't Add Soil to Top of Rootball
Never add backfill soil on top of the rootball. The roots require oxygen.
Add Mulch
Add about 1 to 2 inches of mulch — hardwood, cedar, pineback chips or shredded material.
Remove Tags or Wires
Remove all tags, tape and wire from the tree.
Final
Beautiful job!
