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Plant trees that are bare root when dormant, mid-November to mid-March. Containerized or balled-and-burlapped trees may be planted at any time.
- Select healthy, well-budded trees with an established trunk and well-spaced lateral branches. For street trees, look for a trunk clear of branches to 6-7 feet high.
- Dig the hole about the same depth or a few inches shallower than the root ball or container. Once the tree settles, it will be at or slightly above ground level.
- Roughen up the side of the planting hole, breaking up compacted soil. This allows the roots to spread beyond the hole.
- On balled-and-burlapped trees, untie the burlap's wire or twine and carefully pull the burlap down the sides of the root ball. To prevent damage to the root ball, do not remove the burlap.
- Break up the soil you dug out and remove rocks. When the soil is broken into small pieces, the roots are more able to get water and nutrients.
- Return the soil to the hole. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly on top of the root ball.
- Water the tree thoroughly.
- Mulch the base with 2-4 inches of bark or wood chips to keep the root ball from drying out too quickly. This measure also prevents packing and controls weeds. Keep a few inches around the tree trunk clear of mulch, however, for air circulation.
- Generally, a tree with a 2-inch-diameter trunk or less should be staked. Use stakes on both sides and place beyond the root ball. Tie the tree to stakes, leaving the ties loose around the tree. (A mature tree will be stronger if it is allowed to bend in the wind when young.) Remove the stakes when the tree has established its roots (usually 1-2 years).
- Prune branches that are crossing, diseased or broken. Be careful not to remove too much good wood. It is important to protect the above-ground part of the tree because this is where the tree's food is produced and transported to the roots for development.
Tree Maintenance
- Keep your tree watered during the first year.
- Remove grass and weeds from the tree circle (1-2 feet around the tree). Mulch will keep the weeds down and retain moisture.
- Prune dead or broken branches from the tree. Prune branches to just outside the branch collar. Avoid flush cuts or stubs.
- Watch for insect or disease symptoms and take prompt action.
More information
For more information on tree planting and selection, see these links:
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