I know it sounds pretty simple, but it is probably the thing that is most often done improperly.
It sounds pretty simple, but it is probably the thing that is most often done improperly. I will even say that I don’t do it exactly like it the experts recommend. However, if you take a little time at planting, you can help insure a happy healthy tree or shrub for years to come.
– The first thing to consider is the trees mature size. How big will it be when fully grown?
– When large trees are planted in small spaces they require much more intensive management and usually don’t live as long.
Planting Procedures
1. Site Selection (what do we need to consider?), and Soil Testing
2. Root Spacing – Figure out DBH at 7, 15, or 25 and multiply by 2.25 to determine rooting area
3. The entire rooting area should be tilled (not usually going to happen)
4. Making the planting hole. The hole should be 3 times larger than the root ball with a soil pedestal, and slanted sides.
5. Planting Depth should be no greater than what it was in the pot or in the nursery and most often it is better to plant too shallow than too deep.
6. Break up root ball and loosen roots. Look for roots that are twisting or growing inward.
**Do not add too many soil amendments to the planting hole, use them as mulches after planting.
**Never apply fertilizer in the planting hole
**Water rings should be larger than the root ball and removed 2nd year
**Mulch should be 2x larger than planting hole
**Additional planting (flowering annuals) should be delayed until the tree is established (3-7 years)
