Add beauty and value to your home with these BHG Test Garden tips on how to plant a tree.
But before you break out the shovel, you’ll want to pinpoint the best time to start digging.
Fall is often considered the best time to plant a tree.
That’s because hot summer temperatures can stress new plantsespecially if they don’t get much rain.
Over the winter, your tree will focus on strong root growth instead of producing branches and foliage.
Handle the root ball carefully to keep it intact while you place it in the hole.
Pack it evenly around the root ball and lightly pack down the soil as you go.
As you work, frequently check the trunk to ensure that it’s straight.
Use any leftover soil as a berm to create a watering well.
Credit: Blaine Moats
You may have heard that you shouldamend backfill with organic matterlike compost, but this is an older practice.
Similarly, fertilizer doesn’t offer many benefits at planting time, and can even be harmful.
Wait until the following year, then provide amoderate dose of fertilizer.
Use a zip tie or twine to secure the stake loosely to the tree.Credit: Blaine Moats
The most important factor, by far, is loose soil that new roots can easily grow into.
That’s why a wide planting hole is so vital.
The stake should be tied loosely to the trunk.
Watering around a newly planted tree helps settle the soil around it so it makes good contact with the roots.Credit: Blaine Moats
Don’t lash it so tight that the trunk can’t flex in the wind.
Large trees may need two or three stakes placed several feet from the trunk.
After six months, the roots should be stable enough to hold your tree in place.
Credit: Lark Smothermon
If so,remove all stakesto allow the tree to continue growing naturally.
Newly planted trees should only be pruned to remove broken, dead, or diseased limbs.
Otherwise,leave them until after their first growing season.
How Much is My Tree Worth?
After all, trees give us shade and cool places to gather.
They offer birds and small wildlife nourishment and shelter.
Trees even soak up carbon dioxide and release oxygen in exchangewhich makes them a valuable addition wherever space allows.
With proper tree-planting skills, you’ll ensure the success of your trees for decades to come.
The Myth of Soil Amendments.
Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University.
