| Planting Trees
Link to the Forest Service Publication “Planting Trees
in Designed and Built Communities”
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/uf/plant_trees/planting_trees.htm
Diagram of Proper Tree Planting
UConn Cooperative Extension
Flyer on Proper Tree Planting
UConn Cooperative Extension
Flyer on Proper Mulching
Planting List
Useful Tools
• Large Spades or Shovels
• Large Tarp to Hold Soil
• Heavy Duty Wire Clippers
• Clippers or Small Pruning Saw
• Hammer or Mallet
• Measuring Stick
• Pruning Shears
• Heavy Duty Scissors
• Gloves
• Stakes and Strapping
Preparing the Site
• For B&B and container trees, measure the height
and diameter of the rootball
• Dig to the depth of the trunk flare. Leave the bottom of
the hole firm.
• Dig the space at least 3 times the diameter of the rootball.
• For bare root plants, dig below the depth of the roots,
and create a hill of loose soil on which the roots can
be placed
so that the trunk flare sits at the
top of the soil level. Dig a hole at least three times the spread of the
roots.
• Break up compacted soil. Sides of planting space should not be packed.
• Do not amend soil unless planting in building rubble, poor soils or severely
disturbed soils.
Planting
• For B&B and container trees, lift into the planting
space by rootball - never lift by the trunk.
• Balance tree upright in center of planting space.
• For trees in wire baskets, cut and remove wire from sides of rootball.
• Cut away strings and burlap or plastic, exposing rootball.
• Do not disturb soil in the rootball.
• If tree is container grown, cut and remove container.
• Container trees should have the sides and bottom of the root ball slashed.
• Bare root trees should have their roots straightened
and spread so that they run away from the tree.
• In all types of planting - Prune dead or crushed roots. Straighten or
cut circling roots. Make clean cuts.
• Begin refilling with soil, watering as you fill. Gently
tamp.
• Never plant too deep. Fill soil up to tree base just above where roots
begin to branch.
• Prune only dead or injured branches. Do not paint wounds.
• Remove tree wrap, tape or string on trunk. Trunks should
only be wrapped to protect them in transit to planting site.
• Stake and brace trees at planting time only if needed. Support the tree
but let it sway.
• Use wide, belt-like strapping attached to two sturdy stakes. Do
not use wire through a hose.
• Mulch lightly with about 2-3" of composted material at least
to the diameter of the crown of the tree. Leave 3" circle of
bare soil around the trunk. Deep layers of mulch can be harmful.
• Do not plant flowers under the tree.
• Do not fertilize at planting time.
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