Grow Green: Tree Planting

Visit www.GrowGreen.org for earth-wise gardening tips. Planting trees is an optimistic and sustainable investment that demonstrates our commitment to our future. Proper tree planting is the first step towards ensuring a tree's health and longevity. • Best time to plant: October to March • Small Trees = Small Needs: Saplings and small trees need less water during establishment and adapt quickly to new conditions. • Right tree for the right place. Consider soil type, slope, shade, access to water, and landscape function. A properly sited tree will be healthier and require less water. Tall tree species should not be planted under power lines. • Planting technique. o Call before you dig to have any underground utilities marked. 8-1-1 is the designated call before you dig phone number. o Dig a broad shallow hole, only as deep as the root ball but 2-3 times as wide. o Check the planting depth before putting the tree in place. o Make sure that the sides of the hole are rough and uneven. A rough edge to the hole may help force roots to grow out into the surrounding soil. o Remove the tree from the container gently; you may need to cut the container. o Prepare the root ball. Check for girdling roots that circle the root ball and may cause problems as the tree grows. Cut any girdling roots. o Place the tree in the center of the hole and check the planting depth again to ensure that the tree is not planted too deep. o Backfill the hole with the original soil o Half way through backfilling the planting hole water in the soil to allow it to settle and then complete filling the hole. • Mulch. Apply mulch 3-4 inches deep and keep mulch 3-4 inches away from the base of the trunk. • Watering. Water your tree well after planting. Download the Tree Care Fact Sheet from www.GrowGreen.org for a watering needs information. • Pruning. Avoid pruning your newly planted tree until it is well established.