Planting - More Than Digging a Hole

Now that you have chosen the right tree for your location, it's time to get it planted. A little care in planting that tree the right way can prevent the question "Why did my tree die?"

The first consideration is when to plant the tree. There are some tradeoffs to be made when choosing the time to plant. The absolute best time to plant the tree is in the Autumn. A tree planted then only has one job - to grow a good root system until Spring. Planting in Fall really gives the tree time to establish roots. A tree planted in the Spring is not only growing the root system, but also branching out and putting out leaves. However, the selection oftrees is probably better in the springtime when the local nursery is appealing to that early springtime urge to plant.

How to plant
Planting in Stillwater usually means you are planting in clay soil. Clay soil can smother tree roots if the tree is planted too deeply. Much of Stillwater has clay soil and it is a major reason why newly planted trees die. (To find out ifyou have clay soil, please check the section on "Soil", page 7.) There are specific steps you can take to insure success.

1. Dig a wide, shallow hole. Holes for bare root plants should be dug large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding or twisting. A hole 2 to 3 times root ball width will give the roots room to grow and develop. To aid root growth turn the soil up in an area up to 3 foot in diameter around the area where the tree will be. The mass of tree roots should sit above the top of the hole instead of even with the soil line. (See diagram on page 17.)
2. If containerized, remove the tree from the container and gently place the tree in the hole you have prepared. If the tree is balled and burlapped, place the tree inside the hole first, then remove the burlap or other material around the ball.
3. Align the tree so that it is standing up straight.
4. Work the soil under and around the roots. Tight, compacted soil may keep the roots from stretching out. They need room to grow so your tree will be healthy.
5. When placing the tree in the newly dug hole, 1/4 of the root ball should be above the original soil line.
6. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Use only existing soil as backfill. Organic matter should not be added to the backfill soil because it delays establishment of the tree.
7. DO NOT fertilize the tree. This will burn the tender roots.
8. Pull the soil over the top of the rootball making a mound.
9. Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly but not tightly packed.
10. Construct a water holding trench (tree well) around the tree.
11. Give the tree plenty of water.

If you are absolutely sure that you do not have clay soil, the above instructions can be followed with the difference being that the top of the roots can be level with the surrounding soil instead of sitting above it.