Tree Planting and Care

Once you have selected the right tree for your site, follow these general steps to make sure it will grow well.

• Call before you dig. Call your state's one call agency to locate all underground utility lines in your yard before digging. Stay 24 inches away from markings. 
• Decide how deep to plant the tree. The tree's root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be above the top of the soil once the tree has been backfilled.
• Prepare the site. Dig a large saucer-shaped hole two to three times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the height of the root ball or container. In the center, dig the hole deep enough to position the root ball with the root collar slightly above ground level.
• Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The root collar should be one to three inches above ground level.
• Back fill when the tree is positioned and straight. Back fill the hole with the soil that was removed. Lightly push the soil around the roots or water the soil to eliminate air pockets. (Do not pack the soil after you water.) Back fill to the height just below the root collar.
• Mulch with woodchips to a depth of two to three inches on top of the planting circle. Keep the mulch four inches away from the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk.
• Water is very important to a newly planted tree. A slow, root-saturating one-hour trickle once a week is a good rule of thumb for a new tree. If it rains or is very dry, the watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly.
• Fertilize in the second year. Do not fertilize a new tree during the first year after planting, as fertilizer is applied at the nursery. Your new tree can be damaged easily by too much fertilizer.
• Stake your tree only if it's unstable.  Most newly planted trees do not need staking. Secure the tree to the stakes using soft materials, like fabric or rubber that will not damage the cambium (the layer right under the bark) of the tree. Stakes should be removed after the first year in order for the trunk to strengthen properly.