By Meg Brazill

The decision to plant a tree near your home is any easy one. Selecting the right tree and getting it in the ground are a bit more challenging, but apparently very popular, activities. Americans now purchase 122 million landscape trees annually, according to a recent report from the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA).

The Beauty and the Benefits

Trees beautify your property, as well as provide a canopy of shade in summer and protection from wind in winter. Many homeowners cite privacy as a reason for adding trees to their property. But, trees provide much more than a bit of shade or privacy.

According to the USDA Forest Service, when trees are properly placed around buildings, they can save 20 to 50 percent of the energy used for heating, and reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent. Realtors and the USDA Forest Service agree that healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value – reason enough to get started right away.

Realtors and the USDA Forest Service agree that healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value

The 5-Step Program

To ensure success with your tree planting, follow these steps.

1. Site – First, size up your site and soil conditions.
2. Tree Selection – Choosing a tree will depend on personal taste and aesthetics, but also on more earthy issues such as soil, drainage, and climate.
3. Quality – Know how to establish the health of a tree.
4. Transporting & Storage – Carefully transporting your tree to its permanent site will increase its chances for success.
5. Planting – The most common mistake that do-it-yourself arborists make is digging the hole too deep and too narrow.

Setting your Sites

Where will you put your tree? How well will the tree fit the site when it reaches maturity?

Branch overhang and extensive root systems can affect everything from overhead utility lines to sidewalks. Are there buried utilities nearby, septic systems or underground pipes? If you’re unsure, contact your local power company. Will the roots have enough width to spread? Are there buildings, sidewalks or streets nearby? A poorly sited tree can cause expensive damage to them. Is the site sunny or shady?

Identify what type of soil you have. Proper drainage is critical. Soil must be sufficiently easy to dig into, and deep enough – a healthy tree needs about 30 inches of good soil to grow. Contact your local garden center or Extension Service for specific advice. You can even have your soil tested and get recommendations about soil improvements.

Quality – Know It When You See It

Most people will purchase a tree from a nursery or garden supply center. Trees usually come in the containers in which they were grown, or have a complete root ball bound in burlap. Sometimes a tree will have the entire root system exposed.

The root ball should be approximately 10 to 12 twelve times the diameter of the tree trunk. Roots should never appear torn, crush or damaged in any way. Look closely at the trunk for signs of incorrect pruning or mechanical damage from a lawn mower or weeder. Branches should be evenly spaced along the trunk and firmly attached. Avoid trees that have multiple stems squeezed against one another or against the trunk. If the tree is in a container, make sure the container is not too small.

The International Society of Arboriculture has many useful brochures, including ones on tree selection.

Moving Day

Take as much care as possible transporting your tree to its planting site. A larger vehicle with a trunk or trailer will help reduce injury to the tree. Cushion the stem and branches, gently wrap it for protection and drive slowly. When you arrive at your site, plant the tree immediately, if possible.

Let the Digging Begin

The moment of truth arrives. Are you prepared to dig a proper hole for your tree? Late spring and early fall are generally considered the best times for planting trees.

There will be some planting differences depending upon whether your tree is burlapped, containered, or bare rooted. Most of a tree’s roots grow horizontally and just below the soil surface. The roots spread out extensively, well beyond the reach of the branches.

Dig a wide hole, two to three times the width of the root ball – but only as deep as the root ball. Look for the trunk flare, where the roots spread out near the base of the tree. After planting, this should still be partially visible. Avoid digging the hole too deep or the tree will have difficulty getting sufficient oxygen; too narrow and the roots won’t be able to expand enough to obtain nourishment and anchor the tree properly.

Planting – Balled and Burlapped Trees

A balled and burlapped tree (B & B) is best planted as soon as possible. But, if storage is needed, keep the root ball moist and store the tree in a shady area. Before planting, cut away the burlap completely and remove any string or twine. A natural burlap can be partially removed from just the top third of the root ball. Always lift the tree by the root ball not by its trunk.

Planting – Container Trees

Container trees can also be stored for a short period of time. Keep the container moist and store the tree in a shady spot. Remove a metal or plastic container completely; if you have a fiber container, tear the sides away. Check the roots. If they are too tightly compressed, use your fingers to pull the fine roots away, and then spread the roots. Very woody compacted roots may require a spade, which is used to open up the root system’s bottom half. The root system will then be pulled apart, loosening the structure. It’s advisable to lightly break up the soil outside the planting zone.

Make sure the tree is straight in its hole before filling in. Backfill the hole with the original soil. Compress the soil gently with your hands, not your feet. Water it well.

Give your tree a good soaking with water once a week, unless there has been adequate rain. Mulching will help the soil retain moisture and keep down grass and weeds Mulch 2-4 inches deep, extending 3-4 feet out, and don’t put mulch right next to the trunk.

Protect your trees from fire, lawnmowers, bicycles, cars, pets, weeds, and grass.

May your tree live a long life for generations to come.

Resources to Contact
for More Information

National Arbor Day Foundation
Phone: 402-474-5655

USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area Office
Phone 610-557-4103

International Society of Arboriculture