How to Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is more than just digging a hole and placing the tree inside. You also need to research the best time of year and the best type of tree for your climate. Once those have been decided you need to follow the correct steps to ensure that your tree will grow properly.

What You Will Need:

• Shovel


• Tree


• Watering Can


• Measuring Sticks


• Composted manure or compost


• Mulch

Optional:

• Scissors


• Knife


• Slow Release Fertilizer

1. Dig a large hole for your tree to go in. Your hole should be two to three times wider than the width of the tree’s root ball. This will allow the roots to be eased out easily and can give you space to cut the wire root basket if the tree you are planting has one. Also, be sure not to dig the hole too deep or too shallow. You want a hole that is deep enough to cover all the roots but that leaves the point at which the root changes to the stem exposed.

2. Prepare the tree for planting. If the tree is large, you will need to cut off the sack around the roots with a knife or scissors. Do not leave the roots out of their container for a very long time. Extended exposure to the air and sun can damage them and dry them out.

3. Gently place the tree into the hole.

4. Begin filling in the hole with the existing soil. Should the soil surrounding the tree not be of a good consistency add composted manure or compost. A good ratio for compost to dirt is one quarter of the hole should be filled with compost and three quarters existing dirt.

5. Water your newly planted tree, allow the water to settle, and then water the tree again. 

6. Cover your newly filled hole with one to three inches of mulch. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the tree’s trunk to avoid rotting.

7. Tie your tree to deeply embedded stakes. This will help to ensure that the tree grows straight and won't be knocked over by storms and wind.