AgEBB-MU CAFNR Extension

Green Horizons

Volume 24, Number 2
Spring 2020


A Step-by-Step Guide to Tree Planting

You've taken the first step towards greening your community! It's up to you to promote your trees long-term health, resiliency and survivability!

  1. Dig a Hole
    The hole should be at least twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Tip: Lay your shovel across the hole. The shovel should lay flat across the root ball and ground.

  2. Cut the Roots
    Cut any roots that are circling the root ball and loosen up the soil. If left alone, roots will continue to grow in a circle and eventually kill the tree.

  3. Fill the Hole up!
    Use the same soil you dug out of the hole to fill the hole back up. Do not stomp or tamp the soil too tight.

  4. Water the Tree
    Trees MUST be watered after planting. A long soaking with a hose is best. Give your tree 5 gallons of water each week for its first 3 years if there is limited rainfall.

  5. Mulch
    Mulching reduces weeds and grass, retains moisture, and protects from lawnmowers. Mulch a ring about the size of the hole, no more than 3" deep. Do not pile mulch against the trunk as this will encourage fungal growth. The mulch ring should look like a "donut" with the trunk growing in the middle.

  6. Maintenance
    Pruning
    • Prune only dead/broken branches for the first year after the tree was planted.
    • Additional pruning may stress the tree.
    • For future pruning, consult a professional.
    Staking
    • Stake trees only when necessary such as in very windy areas.
    • Remove all staking after one year.
    Long Term Maintenance
    • Visit your tree regularly to water, weed, mulch, prune, and check for problems.

Tree Planting Tips

Call before you dig:
DIG RITE:1-800-344-7483 (Missouri)
J.U.L.I.E.: 1-800-892-0123 (Illinois)
811 (Kansas)

Get Permission:
Consult the your municipality's forestry/public works department or the property owner before planting.

Transporting:
Always cover trees exposed to the elements to prevent windburn and leaf loss.
Always carry trees by the pot to prevent damage to the roots.
Do not leave trees covered in a vehicle for extended periods of time.
Keep roots moist until planting.

Get to Know Your Tree
Read the tree tag to learn about the species and whether the tree can be planted under or near utility lines.

Plot Your Trees
Help Missouri plant (and plot!) one million trees! Head over to www.plantmotrees.org to add your trees and track their growth.



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