How To Plant a Tree: Part One

October 26, 2009

One of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and the environment is to plant a tree.  For more information about planting trees or seasonal tree care tips, visit http://www.davey.com. 

RJ Laverne, Davey Tree Service expert and ISA Certified Arborist, is going to take you through how to plant a tree step by step. 

Trees help clean our air, reduce energy use and costs, and improve property value. But, we know they do so much more. It’s often said, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second best time is today.” 

Following these simple tree planting steps will help ensure that your tree is a strong and healthy addition to your landscape.  

Step 1:  Make sure you pick a tree or shrub that will thrive in the space you plant it. 

Step 2:  Don’t dig your hole too deep. It needs to be wide enough to accommodate the root system of the tree, but not too deep.  When the tree is too deep the roots can’t get the oxygen they need that come from the top of the soil.

Step 3: Open up the burlap or bag that the tree comes in and identify where the first root is.

Step 4: Find the root flare (where the trunk meets the soil) and expose it by digging around it. 

Remember Safety!  Always wear proper safety gear when working.

Step 5:  Measure the root ball. The tree’s hole needs to be twice as big as the root ball. Hint:  You can use a shovel to measure the height of the root ball.

Step 6: Move the tree into the hole and start to unwrap it.

Contact your local professionally trained arborist with any concerns or questions you may have during you next tree planting project. 


Watch our Tree Planting series: 

How to Plant a Tree: Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljoNjuKFqeA

How to Plant a Tree: Part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeXQ1navV7w

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