Tree Planting Guide
Tree Planting Guide
Before you plant...
Ask yourself the following questions before making your final plant selection:
- Do I have the right plant for the right place?
- How’s my soil and drainage?
- How are my plants going to receive water…on a regular basis?
Drainage Tip: Before planting check to make sure the area you’ve selected drains. Once initial hole is dug, fill with 4″ of later. Return two hours later. If the water is gone, you have good drainage. If not, make sure to adjust your irrigation accordingly.
Do you have what you need?
- Tools: Shovel, Rake, Gloves, Digging Bar
- Mulch
- Starter Fertilizer
- Tree Stakes & Ties
- Irrigation Supplies: Drip Parts, Soaker Hose, Timer
- Proper Soil
Let’s get planting!
- Dig a hole two times as wide and only as deep as the plant’s root ball, setting native soil aside.
- Mix the soil you set aside with planting mix to create your back fill. You are looking for a ratio of about one part planting mix to two parts native soil.
- Add starter fertilizer to your back fill mix at the rate indicated on the bag or box.
- Place the root ball in the hole. Making sure the top of the root ball is sitting 1"-3" above the soil level (to allow for settling).
- Back fill the hole with your soil mixture and pack firmly to remove any air pockets.
- Using any leftover soil create a basin around the plant to retain water. Make sure your basin is at least 18'' away from the trunk on all sides.
- Add 2" of mulch around the base of the plant keeping it 6" away from the trunk.
- Stake trees, large shrubs and other plants that could be damaged by the wind.
- Water thoroughly.
Staking specifics
- Remove the nursery transport stake.
- Using two lodges poles as tree stakes, place one on either side of root ball. Lodge poles should never rub against tree trunk.
- Drive poles into the ground so they are secure. Stake drivers are available for a fully refundable deposit.
- Attach the tree to the lodge poles with tree ties, alternating sides as you attach them.
Staking Tip: We recommend spring-loaded ties. Spring-loaded ties allow your tree to move and grow strong while providing the needed support.
