Important Basics of Tree Planting You Should Know

After you have selected a suitable tree to plant in your backyard, you need to find the right place where it can naturally grow and thrive. As the next essential step, you need to understand that different trees, including a container-grown tree, a ball and burlap tree, or a sapling, require a specific planting process.

Read on for our comprehensive guide to tree planting and things you need to consider before beginning the process.

General Tree Planting Tips

Here are some essential things you should follow before you plant a tree:

• Plant your new tree as soon as you get it to ensure it flourishes in the best possible way. Otherwise, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and wind, and keep the soil moist until you plant the tree.
• Start digging an area away from powerlines and utilities to provide reasonable space for the tree to grow.
• Dig the hole to the depth of the root ball. Make sure you plant the root flare 1 to 2 inches above soil level. Measuring the perfect plant depth is critical to saving your tree from drying out.

Planting a Tree Wrapped in Burlap

• Move your tree only by rolling it or holding it by the root ball. Never do it by the trunk or branches.
• Dig a hole with its depth same as the root ball and width at least twice as wide.
• Position your tree so that the root flare is at or slightly above the ground for healthy breathing. In addition, ensure the foundation underneath the root ball is solid so that the tree doesn’t drown due to its weight.
• Remove the burlap (whether synthetic or organic) as much as possible. Roots grow laterally, so fabric under the ball will not be a hindrance. It is important to remove inorganic burlap as sometimes they do not decompose properly.
• If you find a wire cage, remove the upper part of it.
• Place the tree upright and refill the hole with the soil you removed. If there are lumps in the soil, break them before backfilling the hole.
• Water the soil until it gets saturated. Pour water slowly to avoid disturbing the soil around the root ball.
• Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the root zone to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. You don’t need to mulch it immediately after tree planting. However, doing it sooner will increase the level of protection.
• If you have a tree with a small root ball and heavy body, stake it to provide enough support. You can remove the stake after a year.

Planting a Potted Tree

• Water the tree one hour before planting to make it easier to remove from the container.
• Move the tree only by holding the container and not the trunk or branches.
• Dig a hole with its depth same as that of the container and width 2 to 3 times wider.
• When ready for tree planting, place the tree on its side, tap the bottom of the container, and the tree should slide out smoothly.
• If the roots are intertwined, make vertical cuts in the sides of the root ball and X-shape cuts in the bottom to loosen them. If you find any roots circling the container’s border, straighten them. In addition, make sure you remove dead roots.
• Plant your tree upright, enabling the root flare to sit at or just above the ground.
• Now, follow the same steps for a tree wrapped in burlap.

Planting Tree Seedlings

• Saplings are delicate and are susceptible to damage, so ensure you handle them carefully.
• Dig a hole with a depth the same as the tree’s root system and a width 3 to 4 times bigger.
• Eliminate leaves, twigs, or any other organic matter from the hole.
• Now, follow the steps given for a potted or burlapped tree.

Planting a Tree in the Same Spot

A new tree planting site is always the best option. Here are the reasons why it is better to use a new location as opposed to an existing one:

• The soil may have lost the essential nutrients to the growth of the previous tree
• Sawdust from tree removal or stump grinding can result in nutrients imbalance
• If the roots of the old tree are still there, the new plant may not get enough space to grow
• If you removed the old tree due to some infection, the pathogens might be present in the soil.

What To Consider When Using the Old Tree Planting Site?

If you are determined to use the old planting site, here’s what you should do:

• Investigate the health of the old tree. If it was infected, find out the problem and pick a tree species immune to the same pathogen.
• Wait at least for a year until the old tree roots decompose. It will make it easy to prepare the site for a new tree.
• Prepare the site by removing all sawdust from the hole and getting rid of the roots and old plant material.
• Then, add topsoil and compost to ensure the healthy growth of the new tree.

Our Experts Can Help You with Tree Planting

Do you need a professional tree planting service? Are you looking to hire an expert arborist in Toronto for replanting? Dreamworks Tree Services is a leading name in the region for qualified arborists and comprehensive tree care service specialists.

Our experts understand your needs and investigate your property to provide a tailored solution to ensure the long-lasting health and appeal of your landscape.

We have the relevant expertise and resources to provide a full range of tree planting and management services for all types of residential and commercial properties. In addition, we have adequate liability insurance cover to protect our team and safeguard your interests.

For information about our services, please call us at 647-924-2627. You can also fill out our online form to get a free property assessment estimate. Our specialists will visit your property and recommend the most suitable measure that fits your landscape requirements and budget.

Also Read:

• Consult A Tree Planting Service To Choose The Proper Shade Trees
• Preparing Your Backyard for Tree Planting