Tips for Planting Trees

It is needless to explain how important trees are for our environment and the long-lasting beauty of nature. Planting trees sounds simple, but includes more than just digging a hole and throwing the tree in it. For the proper planting of trees, some basic points should always be kept in mind.

• Selecting the proper time and season - Late spring or summer should be avoided as the heat stress may be detrimental to the plant. Fall (after leaf fall) or early spring (before bud break) is considered as the best time to plant trees.
• Preparation of the hole - The hole should be 2-3 times the width of the root ball and as deep as the root ball. The soil inside the hole should be loosened up by a shovel. This extra space in the width helps the root to grow outwards into the soil. The hole should have a central high (1/4 to 1/2 inch) area and deeper edge outside to avoid central pooling of water which may damage the roots.
• Preparation of the tree for planting - Small trees can be easily turned upside down to get it out of the pot. In case of larger trees, maximum possible dirt should be kept around the root. More movement should be avoided as the more air gets in contact with the roots the more it gets dried up.
• Placing the tree - The tree should be placed very gently into the hole. It must be always held by the root ball and never by the trunk. Proper care should be taken so that neither the crown gets buried nor any root remains exposed. The crown should be at the level of the soil after filling up the hole. The hole is filled up with soil, few inches at a time and settled with water, to eliminate air pockets.
• Use of compost - In the absence of properly enriched soil, compost or composted manure may be added. Three quarters of the hole should be filled with dirt and the remaining quarter with compost/manure. An organic mixture including Mycorrhiza (a bacteria) is highly recommended as it enhances the uptake of soil nutrients.

Commercial fertilizers should be avoided as they are not good for the long term health of the tree.

• Regular watering - Watering is an important practice for healthy trees. One gallon of water is needed for every six inches of tree height. After one hour of planting, the plant is watered again.
• The planting hole is covered with 3-4 inches of mulch made up of rotten leaves, composted bark, pine needles or, chipped hardwood. It acts as a blanket and protects moisture. It is kept 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent its rotting.
• Staking the tree, if needed - The stakes should be tied loosely to the trunk for the first year. It should not be dug in the bark or tightly bound to the tree. It protects the tree from being blown over by the wind.

The above discussed were the preliminary guidelines. As the tree grows, for the first few years, depending on the climate of the area, weekly watering is required until the strong roots are established. Deep watering will promote deeper roots. Minor pruning of damaged branches is advised during the growth of the tree.

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