Tree Planting Tips
September and October are the premier times for tree planting. The ground is warm and the air is cool encouraging optimal root development. However, anytime the ground is not frozen it is possible to plant trees as long as specific guidelines are followed. Evergreen trees should be planted well in advance of winter weather to allow sufficient time to establish roots and acclimate to the new planting location.
Two of the most important factors to consider when planting are planting at the right depth and making sure to supply enough moisture. These factors are even more important considerations when planting outside the fall months. The phrase “Bare the Flare” refers to making sure to leave the root flare (the area where the trunk meets the roots) exposed when planting. Failure to do so will cause the tree to decay where the trunk tissue is buried leading to the decline of the tree. In addition, consider the following guidelines when planning planting projects.
Key steps in planting a tree are
- Choose a planting location with the full mature size of the tree in mind. Consider utilities, structures, and elevation.
- Look for the root flare on the tree. *Note: often the root flare is buried in the root ball or covered by excess soil in the container.
- Make sure to dig a hole at least 2 – 2 ½ times the width, but no deeper than the height of the current rootball.
- If the tree is a balled and burlapped variety, remove all the burlap if doing so does not compromise the integrity of the root ball. If removing all the burlap causes breaks in the rootball, place the tree in the hole, pull back and cut the burlap as far down as possible.
- Once the planting location is achieved, ensure the root flare has not been altered. Reexpose if needed.
- Ensure the tree is straight in the hole. Adjust as needed. Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain before backfilling the soil around the root ball. When backfilling soil, make sure not to bury the root flare. It is better to plant a tree slightly high than to plant too deep (i.e. avoid burying the root flare). Gently tamp down the soil and water thoroughly with a slow flow to ensure adequate soaking into the soil.
- Staking of deciduous trees may be needed especially in windy locations. Do not leave stakes attached to the tree for longer than 1 year.
