Spring Tree Planting

One of the best times of the year to plant a tree is in very early spring, before buds begin to form on the tree. The weather is cool enough and stable enough to allow for the tree to establish its root system before heavy spring rains and summer heat start to threaten the tree. However, it is essential to properly plant your new tree in order for it to survive and thrive. Improper planting is the leading cause of newly planted tree death.

The Planting Site

If possible, try to pick a location with the right amount of sun and loose, non-clay soil, a safe distance from your home. When calculating this distance, research the full size of a mature specimen of your tree's type and go from there. Dig a hole which is only the depth of the root ball of your baby tree, but three times as wide. This ensures that you do not plant the tree too deeply and that the soil around the base of the tree is loose enough to allow for easy root expansion. Most new roots on a freshly planted tree develop in the top foot of soil, so be sure to not plant the tree too deeply. When in doubt, leave a few inches of root ball above the ground instead of covering them.

Return the Dirt

Be sure your tree is straight from several angles, then start filling in your hole. Fill with dirt gently, but also be firm. Soil which is packed too loosely around your tree will erode and allow the tree to fall over, and soil which is packed too tightly will cause your sapling to struggle to develop roots. Be careful not to damage the trunk or the roots in this process. Once the base of the tree is largely covered, pack down the soil, perhaps even with water, to ensure there are no air pockets, which can dry out young roots.

Add Mulch

Cover the base of the tree with mulch. Mulching your tree will help to retain moisture in the area and prevent weeds and grasses from growing at the tree's base, reducing its competition. There are a wide variety of mulches available on the market today, so pick one you feel comfortable with. Make the mulch 2-4 inches deep, no more. More can cut off oxygen, and less can cause your tree to lose much needed moisture. Once the mulch is down, water your tree frequently to ensure good initial growth.

Maintain Your Tree's Health

Once your tree has established itself, be sure to keep it healthy by hiring a tree care service to prune it and inspect it annually and after major storms. These specialists are able to spot danger signs and disease in their early stages and may be able to save your tree should something go awry. Should things go truly south, a professional tree removal service will be able to safely remove your tree from your property without endangering you or your home.

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