what do i need to plant a tree

What Supplies Do I Need to Plant a Tree?

• Digging tool (shovel, spade)
• Tree Stakes
• Topsoil
• Mulch
• Water

Full Answer

How to prepare to plant a tree?

Part 2 of 4: How to Prepare to Plant a Tree 1 Select the right time of year for planting the tree. You want to give your plant the best chance at growing and surviving. 2 You will usually want to plant your tree when it is dormant, or not flowering, during cooler or colder times of year. 3 Prepare the tree for planting. ... More items...

What do tree roots need to grow?

Your tree needs adequate moisture, while at the same time the ability to obtain air exchange and nourishment to reach deep into the root zone, the deep part of the soil that can be penetrated by the tree’s roots. Your tree needs a considerable amount of water, adequate oxygen, and nutrients to develop.

Can you plant a tree in a container?

When you purchase a tree grown in a container, the roots are already growing at the proper soil depth for the conditions. If you plant the tree at a deeper depth it will affect how the roots will grow from that point. Even an inch too deep on small bareroot stock trees is significant.

What is the right way to plant trees and shrubs?

The Right Way to Plant Trees and Shrubs - Seven Steps to Ensure Success 1. Prepare the proper planting hole. 2. Plant high. 3. Inspect the roots and disturb when necessary. 4. When to amend the soil. 5. Eliminate air pockets. 6. Add mulch. 7. Keep watering.

What supplies do you need to plant a tree?

10 Tools You Need When You're Planting TreesWagon. Trees are heavy, particularly those grown in large pots. ... GPS Receiver. ... Shovel and Spade. ... Digging Bar. ... Bucket. ... Tape Measure. ... Utility Knife. ... T-posts.More items...•

What 3 things do you need to grow a tree?

Like any other plant, trees need sun, water and nutrients for survival. There are three main parts to a tree: the roots, the trunk and the crown (branches and leaves), and each plays a part in helping the tree use the sun, water and nutrients. The roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

What are the basic steps to plant a tree?

Alright, now it's time to plant.Step 1: Dig the planting hole. ... Step 2: Massage/loosen/trim the roots and remove the nursery stake. ... Step 3: Place the tree in the center of the hole. ... Step 4: Build a soil berm. ... Step 5: Stake the tree. ... Step 6: Tie the tree. ... Step 7: Water the tree thoroughly! ... Step 8: Add Mulch.

Do you need special soil to plant a tree?

Trees can't be grown in just any old soil. There are 6 different types of garden soil: clay, silty, sandy, chalky, peaty, and loamy. For most types of trees, loamy garden soil is the best soil for planting trees because loamy soil provides proper stabilization and nutrients for young trees.

What's the easiest tree to grow?

Top 13 Fastest Growing TreesThuja Green Giant. The Thuja Green Giant is an evergreen tree that can grow in Zones 5 to 9 at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. ... Leyland Cypress. ... Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree. ... Weeping Willow. ... Black Bamboo. ... Baby Giant Arborvitae. ... Lombardy Poplar. ... Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree.More items...•

What is best time to plant trees?

Early spring, just as the ground thaws, is the best time plant. Fall can be too late, because trees won't be able to survive the freezing temperatures that can damage roots and stop moisture from reaching the tree.

Is planting trees easy?

Planting trees is a simple thing everyone can do to reduce carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. No matter where you live, you can plant trees...and take a proactive, positive step toward keeping our planet healthy. Plant trees in your yard and around your home.

How hard is it to plant a tree?

Planting a tree isn't particularly difficult because you don't need any special tools. With a shovel, tape measure, and garden hose, plus the strength and patience to dig a hole, it should take only a few hours. Planting it right, however, does require some attention to detail.

How do you prepare land for tree planting?

Proper land preparation, even before a tree is planted, include site assessment, soil improvement, digging the proper hole, creating space for root development, and prepping the vegetation. Site preparation also varies based on the site's needs, so don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

What potting soil is good for trees?

However, when looking for the best soil for planting trees, be sure to go for silt, peat, or loamy soils. In most cases, a homeowner's best shot is to go for loamy soils, since you can make them yourself. Also, your tree must stay away from places that have any chemicals, such as gasoline.

What type of soil is best for trees?

LoamyLoamy – the most ideal soil. It drains well, full of nutrients, and holds water. Chalky – usually stony and lays on top of limestone or bedrock. It will require more nutrients to support plant growth.

Can I use garden soil for trees?

Garden Soil for Trees and Shrubs is for outdoor in-ground use only. These types of soils are too dense for container plants and may suffocate plant roots.

What are the 10 steps to plant a tree?

10 Steps to Successfully Plant a TreeLocate Utilities. The last thing you want to do when planting a tree is accidentally damaging underground utilities. ... Identify the Trunk Flare. ... Dig a Wide Hole. ... Remove the Tree Container. ... Place the Tree in the Hole. ... Straighten the Tree. ... Fill the Hole. ... Stake the Tree if Necessary.More items...•

What are the 5 steps to grow a plant?

How to Grow Healthy Plants at Home in 5 Easy StepsStep 1: Choose a Location. ... Step 2: Invest in Proper Farming Tools. ... Step 3: Prepare your Soil. ... Step 4: Choose the Right Seeds and Plant with Care. ... Step 5: Nourish your Garden.

What are the five steps of planting?

5 Easy Steps For Your First GrowStart With Seeds or Clones. You have two choices when you start an indoor crop. ... Choose a Simple Setup.Let There Be Lights.Raise Leafy Plants. Give the seedlings you planted 18 hours of light daily and keep their roots damp, but not soggy. ... Switch on the Flowers.

What are the four steps of planting?

Plants undergo different stages. Different sources will say different things, but they generally fall under these four stages: seed, germination, growth, and harvest.

Why do we add organic matter to soil?

Research has shown that when adding organic matter to a soil, it is best to incorporate it throughout the rooting zone as opposed to placing it in the planting hole. By incorporating an amendment uniformly in the soil, the entire rooting area becomes a uniform growing environment for roots.

What is backfill soil used for?

The backfill soil is used to fill the hole. Joey Williamson, ©2019, Clemson Extension

What is the importance of drainage when planting a garden?

While shaping the final grade of the planting beds, remember the importance of good drainage. Poorly drained soils are a leading cause of plant problems in the landscape. Therefore, before placing the first plant in the ground it is important to take steps to assure adequate drainage.

What is the best composting material?

For the best choices of composted material, choose either well decomposed material from your home compost pile, or purchase composted pine bark. The composted pine bark may still contain some small bark chips, but this can aid in improving the internal drainage in fine-textured clay soils. Additionally, composted pine bark may help suppress certain soil borne disease causing organisms.

How to get rid of weeds in my garden?

Mulching. Apply 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the stem or trunk to reduce chances of stem rot. Mulching helps to eliminate weeds, retain moisture in the soil, moderate soil temperatures, and eventually adds to soil organic matter content.

What is the wire basket that holds the root ball together?

The wire basket that helps hold the root ball together is cut with bolt cutters, and the upper portion of the basket is removed to not interfere with root growth. Joey Williamson, ©2019, Clemson Extension

What is a skid loader?

A skid loader lowers a B&B tree by the seat belt strapping, which was wrapped securely around the root ball. Joey Williamson, ©2019, Clemson Extension

How to prepare a hole for planting a tree?

When preparing any hole for planting, make it three times wider than the current root mass but never deeper than the plant was growing in its previous environment . An even better guide with trees is to look for the flare of the trunk near the soil level.

Why mulch when planting?

Mulch helps retain much-needed moisture and helps keep roots cooler near the surface —a very important requirement for newly installed plants. Perhaps the most important step during the planting process is to keep up with the watering until your plant is fully established. That can take longer than you think.

What is the best time saver for irrigation?

One of the best time-savers you can find to lighten the load and put your irrigation duties on auto-pilot is to use soaker hoses and/or drip irrigation combined with portable battery-operated timers. I cannot stress the importance and time-saving benefits enough!

How to tell if a hole is at the right depth?

Early spring is a popular time as well. An easy way to know if your hole is at the right depth is to take your shovel handle and lay it across the grade. The top of the root ball or tree flare should be at or above the handle level.

How to slice up a root mass?

In more severe situations, I’ll slice up the roots vertically with a pruning saw, hack off the bottom inch or so, and or pull apart the root mass to clearly create new opportunities for non-circular new root development.

What to do if a plant is densely bound?

If they are densely bound in a circular pattern or have started growing in the shape of the container (even slightly), break up the pattern . It’s vitally important to stop this pattern now. The biggest mistake you can make at this point is to place a rootbound plant into the ground as is.

Why do my fig trees lose leaves?

If you sense the tree is responding poorly, and you are watering consistently, you’re likely over-watering.

What is more important for establishing a new tree than nutrients in the soil?

More critical for establishing a new tree than nutrients in the soil is water . A new tree needs to focus all of its energy on getting set. Growth nutrients will stress the tree, which doesn’t need to produce more leaves or fruit. However, those shocked roots need water and lots of it.

What is the Pro 318?

The Pro-318 will help you to provide your tree with the ability to receive the proper amounts of nutrients, oxygen, and moisture it needs to flourish.

What happens if a tree roots get tangled?

If the roots stay tangled, they will be unable to grow and access water. Your tree will slowly die, no matter how much compost and water you give it. Don’t worry about hurting the roots. You might have to break or cut some away if they are too tightly wound together.

What do trees need to grow?

Your tree needs a considerable amount of water, adequate oxygen, and nutrients to develop.

How does moisture affect a tree?

Moisture. The amount of moisture you provide your tree’s soil will affect its ability to flourish. Your tree needs adequate moisture, while at the same time the ability to obtain air exchange and nourishment to reach deep into the root zone, the deep part of the soil that can be penetrated by the tree’s roots.

Why do trees need sunlight?

When a tree’s foliage is shaded and is not provided with enough sunlight, the number of leaves and sugars produced will decrease. Each tree, depending on its species, will need a distinctive amount of sunlight.

Why do trees get transplant shock?

This shock happens because transplanted trees can lose up to 90% of their root systems when they are moved. Smaller trees do better when they are transplanted. For every inch of tree diameter, it needs a year of recovery time.

How Much is My Tree Worth?

Every tree you plant in your yard, whether deciduous and evergreen, adds so many benefits for wildlife and the environment in general, not to mention your own enjoyment. But trees also add financial value to your entire property, which is a nice perk to making the investment to plant them in the first place. Four factors affect determining a tree's value:

How to keep weeds out of a tree?

A 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree but not touching the trunk will keep weeds out and reduce water loss. Test Garden Tip: Newly planted trees should only be pruned to remove broken, dead, or diseased limbs. Otherwise, leave them be until after their first growing season.

What is the best investment for landscaping?

A tree is one of the best landscaping investments you can make. Get tips for planting a tree to get it off to the best possible start.

How to determine a tree's condition?

Condition: Consult an arborist who can determine a tree’s condition by inspecting its trunk, branches, bark, buds, and roots.

Why are trees important?

Species: Trees are valued for their hardiness, adaptability, and overall desirability for sturdiness, low-maintenance, and attractiveness . Among the most highly valued trees today are those that provide shade, ornamentation such as spring flowers or fall color, and drought tolerance. A local arborist and county extension service can identify the best and most valuable trees for your landscape.

Why do we need trees in our yard?

Every tree you plant in your yard, whether deciduous and evergreen, adds so many benefits for wildlife and the environment in general, not to mention your own enjoyment. But trees also add financial value to your entire property , which is a nice perk to making the investment to plant them in the first place.

When is the best time to dig a hole for a new tree?

Digging the right-size planting hole is the key to getting your new tree off to a good start, but there are a few other factors in play, too, such as timing. Fall is the best time to do your digging.

When to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?

Once you know your trees and shrubs have taken to their new environment through successful establishment, you can now begin a fertilization routine to help feed your plants. But I don’t suggest fertilization until then. Otherwise, you’re putting undue stress on plants that don’t need to be exerting extra energy to put on new growth. Instead, until established, my opinion is that all energy should be concentrated on root development and basic establishment. Remember, you have to walk before you can run.

How to get rid of air pockets in plants?

Eliminate air pockets. Be sure to lightly tamp or hand-pack the soil around the plant roots to ensure good soil to root contact. I add water to the hole after backfilling half way. Not only does it provide needed moisture but also the water helps eliminate air pockets that could otherwise result in dead roots.

How to prepare a tree for planting?

When preparing any hole for planting, make it two to three times wider than the current root mass but never deeper than the plant was growing in its previous environment. With trees, an even better guide is to look for the flare of the trunknear the soil level.

Why do plants need to be established in the fall?

Secondly, above ground, the cooler air is kinder to plant foliage and reduces the chances of an energy zapping chain reaction throughout the rest of the plant. Beneath the surface, soil temperatures are still warm which provides an excellent environment to stimulate and foster new root growth.Collectively, it’s the cooler air and warm soil temperatures of autumn that make for the best combination for establishment. If you plant in fall, in most, but not all cases, they should be well-established by next summer.

How long does it take to water a tree after planting?

The most important job you will have after planting is to keep plants and trees well-watered until established. This can take weeks to months to even a year ! Since installing over 200 trees and shrubs in my landscape this fall, I’ve watered every plant every day (here in Atlanta) for about the first two weeks.

Why do we dig a wide hole?

Another reason for digging a wide planting hole is to provide the best opportunity for roots to expand into its new growing environment. Unfortunately, all too often, we dig a hole that is barely wide enough for the root ball, and expect to compensate by adding some soil amendments.

How to break up clumpy soil?

Water again thoroughly once all the soil is in place. I like to use a hose-end nozzle or wand that delivers a strong blast of water to break up clumpy soil and allow new soil to fill in and settle into those vacated air pockets.

What happens when a tree is planted too deeply?

It is not uncommon to see the tree's root ball covered with a foot of soil. That is a foot too deep. The roots of deeply planted trees will search for water and oxygen often growing straight upward where conditions are better.

How to fix girdling root problem?

The best way to correct a girdling root problem is to cut the root. Roots do not move in the soil so it will need to be cut to keep it from harming the tree later. If the root is large and you are unsure how it will affect the tree, be sure to contact an arborist.

Why do trees have root flares?

Root flares are more easily seen in large trees like these, but all trees have root flares because all trees have roots. The top of the root flare should always be above ground. This root flare’s natural curve represents the place where the roots branch off from the truck.

What happens if you don't cut the roots?

This will cut the outside roots and when the start to regrow they will grow out. If you don't cut them they will continue to grow in a circle. As the truck get bigger, the circling roots will strangle the tree. Notice the girdling root in the photo.

How big is a root flare?

The root flare is marked with a yellow arrow. I know an inch doesn’t seem like much, but the rootstock was probably only 18 inches tall and less than ½ inches wide when planted. In that situation, an inch is deep for such a small tree.

What is the number one mistake we make in planting a tree?

Probably the number one mistake we make is in planting the tree too deeply. Even nurseries are guilty of doing this. The problem is more serious than it appears. It all boils down to the roots and how deeply they are planted. This tree planting guide will answer that.

What happens when you plant a tree in a container?

When you purchase a tree grown in a container, the roots are already growing at the proper soil depth for the conditions. If you plant the tree at a deeper depth it will affect how the roots will grow from that point.

How to Choose the Best Tree for Your Yard

The first step to planting a tree in your yard is to choose between a shade tree, fruit tree, evergreen tree or other type of tree. Finding the right tree species doesn’t have to be difficult. Ask yourself a few questions to find the best tree for your needs:

Decide Where to Plant and Avoid Utility Lines

Before you begin your tree planting job, do a little bit of planning to make sure you’ve chosen spots for your new trees that won’t endanger you or your property. Follow these tips to choose the right places to plant your trees:

Dig the Hole

Gather a few tools to make the job easier, such as gardening gloves to protect your hands and a tarp or wheelbarrow to keep the surrounding soil protected as you dig.

Prepare the Hole

To plant a new tree that will grow to be healthy, the dirt around the roots should be loose enough to allow the root system to thrive as it grows. If the dirt is too compact, take the sharp end of your shovel, and cut into the sides of the hole to loosen up the surrounding soil.

Prepare the Tree

How you prepare a tree for planting the right way depends on the tree species you’ve purchased. Trees are sold wrapped in burlap, planted in pots or as a bare root tree. The roots of burlap-wrapped trees are already removed from the native soil, and the material holds the roots together until the tree is ready for planting.

Plant the Tree

After all your hard work getting the tree home and prepared for planting, it’s time to put it in the ground. Soon, you’ll have a thriving, healthy tree that will add instant character to your yard. Here’s how to get the tree safely and securely in the ground:

Backfill the Hole and Mulch

Backfill with soil just to the height of the ball or slightly lower to allow for settling. Don’t mound the dirt over the ball and up the trunk so that it looks like a volcano.

How long does it take for acorns to mature?

The acorns of some acorn species—white oak, swamp white oak(Quercus bicolor), and bur oak(Quercus macrocarpa)—mature in one year, while for other oaks—red oak(Quercus rubra) and pin oak (Quercus palustris)—it takes two years.

How to rehydrate acorns?

Fill a bowl with cold water and place the acorns in it. Viable acorns will sink or remain at the bottom while damaged or empty ones will float. Discard the floating acorns. Briefly soaking the acorns also helps rehydrating them if you stored them before planting.

What is the best mix to plant oaks?

Use standard commercial potting mix based on peat moss (it’s sterile and free of pathogens). Although the oaks will eventually be planted in garden soil, potting mix is the safest way to start healthy seedlings.

How to store acorns?

Plant the acorns right away; if that’s not possible, you can store them for a few days. Spray them with water to prevent them from drying out and place them in a plastic bag that lets some air in. Store them in a cool place and keep them moist but not wet.

How often do oak trees produce acorns?

While most oak species produce a good acorn crop every two or three years, white oak(Quercus alba) only produces a good acorn crop every four to six years.

Can acorns be planted sideways?

Neither, acorns are planted sideways. The primary root will emerge from the pointy end and grow downwards.

Can you grow native oaks from acorns?

If you have the space, planting a nativeoak in your yard is one of the best things you can do for wildlife. Growing an oak from acorns collected nearby has the advantage that you know the tree is well adapted to your local growing conditions.

The Basics – What Your Growing Tree Needs

Soil

Sunlight

Moisture

• The amount of moisture you provide your tree’s soil will affect its ability to flourish. Your tree needs adequate moisture, while at the same time the ability to obtain air exchange and nourishment to reach deep into the root zone, the deep part of the soil that can be penetrated by the tree’s roots. Your tree needs a considerable amount of water, ...

See more on rootwell.com

Bringing It Home