How to Plant a Tree ?


Before planting a tree the proper site has to be selected. One should always try to choose a spot that is in complete sun. The hole has to be dug two times as large as the root ball), and no less in depth than the height of the root ball. The soil that has been dug out of the hole is used to refill the area surrounding the root ball. No soil modifications are suggested while a tree is planted; hence, no compost, peat moss, or shredded pine bark should be included during the refilling process.

Once the tree has been planted, a 4-inch tall berm along the edge of the hole must be built. One can pack the berm with a mulch for example shredded bark and compost. The mulch and berm facilitate the watering of the tree and diminishes the problem of weeds.

For the majority of trees, staking is not advisable but in case the tree trunk is not strong sufficiently, one can utilize two stakes, one on each side of the tree, and provide the trunk with support only for the initial year.

After the planting is complete, the tree has to be watered by filling the bermed basin with water. This will give proper shape to the soil that is present around the root ball. During the initial week after planting has been done, the tree must be watered everyday every day. During subsequent weeks the frequency of giving water to the tree has to be reduced so that the root system is developed enough to flourish on natural rainfall.

One should make use of one's index finger to examine the soil moisture beneath the mulch. In case the soil happens to be cool to the touch, water is not required. If happens to warm and dry, water should be used. A large number of plants fail to grow due to over-watering than by under-watering.

Autumn is considered as the ideal season for planting trees since the soil is still warm after the summer and there is adequate moisture from autumn rains. One should always take into consideration the height of the tree, its position and spread in the garden before it is planted.

After care

  • Proper after care is necessary for the proper growth of the trees once they are planted.
  • Newly planted trees should be watered during the initial year of their growth.
  • This is particularly crucial during summer when conditions are hot, dry and windy.

The ground about the bottom of the tree must be mulched every spring by means of bark chippings. This diminishes loss of water and aids in keeping the area totally clean of unwanted grass and weeds.