Beautiful, healthy trees are an asset to any landscape. The enjoyment they bring for people of all ages make the initial investment of time and money well worth the cost.

Do it Right:

• Site the tree properly, allowing room for the mature size.
• Test your soil prior to planting for pH and nutrient levels.
• Select trees that are suited to your soil.
• Find the root flare of the tree and make sure it is exposed after the tree is planted.
• Untie any twine and loosen burlap from around the trunk of the tree.
• Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the container or root ball, but no deeper than the measurement from the root flare to the bottom of container or root ball.
• After removing the tree from the container slice through any roots that are circling.
• Amend the backfill soil with one third compost.
• Straighten the tree in the hole before backfilling.
• Fill the hole gently but firmly about one-third full. Firmly pack. Back-fill the remainder of the hole, taking care to pack the soil as you go to eliminate air pockets.
• Stake the tree, if necessary.
• Mulch the base of the tree.
• Provide follow-up care: keep the soil moist but not soaked.
• Use a moisture meter to determine how often to water.

Don’t:

• Don’t dig the planting hole too deep.
• Don’t bury the root flare below the soil line.
• Don’t forget to remove twine, tags, and bark protection wrap.