Ask an Arborist
How to Plant a Tree
Learn how to properly plant your new tree and find answers to frequently asked questions about planting trees.
This video by CG Board member Weston Beck, a Certified Arborist will give you a good overview.
Click the image to view; use the button to download a copy to your computer.
Ask an Arborist
FAQs about Planting Trees
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After planting, your tree is likely to “settle,” and you don’t want it to sink below the soil level where water could puddle. It is important to protect the base of the tree from staying wet which can invite pests, and decay, causing damage to the bark and cambium layer of the tree. Damage to your tree’s base can can cause your tree to slowly decline and die over time. Pay close attention to the base of your tree.
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Trees grown in containers have lived in a contained environment. When their roots hit the sides of the pot, they can start growing in circles around the edge of the pot. When you plant, it is important to loosen those roots and as possible, spread them out and point them outwards so they don’t continue to grow in a circle and strangle the tree.
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NONE. Backfill using only the soil you removed from the hole. Why? Because you want the roots of your tree to push out past the hole you dug into the surrounding soil. Creating a “cushy” environment inside the hole will have the same effect as a container. When the roots hit the side of the hole, they are likely to start growing in circles around the “container” you created by filling the hole with softer materials.
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The TreeDiaper works like a baby’s diaper. It is filled with the same material, designed to soak up LOTS of water. Unlike a baby’s diaper, though, it leaks that water back into the soil gradually. When you water, it soaks up some of the water. When it rains, same thing. Basically, it helps you moderate fluctuations in soil moisture. It is NOT a replacement for watering. Soak your tree diaper in a bucket for 15-20 minutes before installing it, and position it so it isn’t touching the trunk of the tree. When you water your tree, water the diaper too.