How to Plant a Tree
While planting each of these different types of trees they differ in detail, all trees eventually end up in a hole. But not any old hole will do.
The most common mistake when planting a tree is digging a hole, which is both too deep and too narrow. Too deep and the roots don't have access to sufficient oxygen to ensure proper growth. Too narrow and the root structure can't expand sufficient to nourish and properly anchor the tree.
As a general rule, trees should be transplanted no deeper than the soil in which they were originally grown. The width of the hole should be at least 3 times the diameter of the root ball or container or the spread of the roots in the case of bare root trees. This will provide the tree with enough worked earth for its structure to establish itself.
When digging in poorly drained clay soil, it is important to avoid 'glazing'. Glazing occurs when the sides and bottom of a hole become smoothed forming a barrier, through which water has difficultly passing. To break up the glaze, use a pitch fork to work the bottom and drag the points along the sides of the completed hole. Also, raise the center bottom of the hole slightly higher than the surrounding area. This allows water to disperse, reducing the possibility of water pooling in the planting zone.
Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
Balled and burlapped (B & B) trees, although best planted as soon as possible, can be stored for some time after purchase as long as the ball is kept moist and the tree stored in a shady area. B & B trees should always be lifted by the ball, never by the trunk. The burlap surrounding the ball of earth and roots should either be cut away completely (mandatory, in the case of synthetic or plastic burlap) or at least pulled back from the top third of the ball (in case of natural burlap). Any string or twine should also be removed. At this point, add some soil to the hole and then water the tree. Backfill soil (combinations of peat moss, composted manure, topsoil, ect.) is then placed in the hole surrounding the tree just to the height of the ball or slightly higher to allow for some settling. Carefully compress the backfill soil around the tree and add more as needed.
While planting each of these different types of trees they differ in detail, all trees eventually end up in a hole. But not any old hole will do.
The most common mistake when planting a tree is digging a hole, which is both too deep and too narrow. Too deep and the roots don't have access to sufficient oxygen to ensure proper growth. Too narrow and the root structure can't expand sufficient to nourish and properly anchor the tree.
As a general rule, trees should be transplanted no deeper than the soil in which they were originally grown. The width of the hole should be at least 3 times the diameter of the root ball or container or the spread of the roots in the case of bare root trees. This will provide the tree with enough worked earth for its structure to establish itself.
When digging in poorly drained clay soil, it is important to avoid 'glazing'. Glazing occurs when the sides and bottom of a hole become smoothed forming a barrier, through which water has difficultly passing. To break up the glaze, use a pitch fork to work the bottom and drag the points along the sides of the completed hole. Also, raise the center bottom of the hole slightly higher than the surrounding area. This allows water to disperse, reducing the possibility of water pooling in the planting zone.
Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
Balled and burlapped (B & B) trees, although best planted as soon as possible, can be stored for some time after purchase as long as the ball is kept moist and the tree stored in a shady area. B & B trees should always be lifted by the ball, never by the trunk. The burlap surrounding the ball of earth and roots should either be cut away completely (mandatory, in the case of synthetic or plastic burlap) or at least pulled back from the top third of the ball (in case of natural burlap). Any string or twine should also be removed. At this point, add some soil to the hole and then water the tree. Backfill soil (combinations of peat moss, composted manure, topsoil, ect.) is then placed in the hole surrounding the tree just to the height of the ball or slightly higher to allow for some settling. Carefully compress the backfill soil around the tree and add more as needed.