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Basic Information on Planting Trees

When planting trees, consideration should be given to their mature height in spacing.

• Smaller growing trees, such as dogwoods and redbuds, generally mature in the 15 to 25-foot tall range (depending on variety), while other trees such as maples, oaks, and poplars will grow into the 40-foot and up height range over the years.
• The rule of thumb on spacing trees is to plant them as far apart or away from foundations as their mature height. The canopy of a tree can spread as wide as the tree will grow tall, and the root system can encompass much of the canopy area.
• Trees should not be planted over any septic system or near field lines. The roots will eventually seek out the moisture from the pipes and creep toward them during dry periods. For new landscaping, plant trees no closer than 50 feet.
• Ornamental grasses, perennials, ground covers, and low-growing shrubs are best used in areas that contain septic, field, or water lines.

Preparing the Ground to Plant Trees

• Hard or Clay Soil: Add coarse sand and organic matter to the soil that you will be putting back in the hole. This will lessen the compaction of the dirt around the root system after planting.
• Loose or Sandy Soil: Add topsoil and organic matter to help build the quality of the soil, provide nutrients, and improve density.

Planting Bare Root Trees

• Dig holes 8 to 14 inches wide and 12 to 14 inches deep, ensuring it is at least 3 to 4 inches deeper than the root system and 4 to 5 inches wider.
• Pour about 2 inches of water into the hole and allow the water to soak in.
• Remove the plastic wrap and shredded newspaper from the roots, placing them aside.
• Place the plant just above the root collar (the lighter line above the root system, where the soil came to on its original planting) just above the ground level, and fill the hole with your soil mixture, pressing down lightly.
• Water the soil as needed and apply more soil if it sinks, pressing it down again.
• Apply about 3 inches of mulch in a "doughnut" shape around the base of the plant, keeping it a couple of inches away from the trunk and mounding it 6 to 12 inches outward.
• Water every 2 to 3 days for the first 4 to 6 weeks, adjusting for rainfall. Gradually decrease watering over time as the plant establishes.
• Clip any broken or damaged tips and branches.

Planting Container Grown Trees

• Dig holes 2 to 4 inches wider and 3 to 5 inches deeper than the container.
• Pour about 2 inches of water into the hole and allow the water to soak in.
• Loosen the plant from the pot and gently pry the root system out. Hold the plant at the base and comb through the roots to loosen and spread them.
• Place the plant slightly above ground level and fill the hole with your soil mixture, pressing it down lightly.
• Water as needed, applying more soil if it sinks, pressing it down again.
• Apply about 3 inches of mulch in a "doughnut" shape around the base of the plant.
• Water every 2 to 3 days for the first 4 to 6 weeks, adjusting for rainfall. Gradually decrease watering as the plant establishes.
• Clip any broken or damaged tips and branches.

Fertilizing Trees

• Adding organic matter when planting and using organic mulch in spring and fall often eliminates the need for additional fertilizing during the first year.
• In the second year, wait for the plants to begin leafing out before starting a fertilizing program. A timed-release fertilizer is ideal.
• Follow the directions on the fertilizer package. Overuse of water-soluble fertilizers can build up saline in the soil, poisoning it and leading to poor plant growth for several years.
• Tip: In late winter or early spring, prune or clip out any dead, broken, or crossing branches during lawn cleanup to give trees a neat appearance as they produce new growth.
• For grafted or budded trees with a crook near the base of the trunk, plant and mulch to the point of the crook, leaving it exposed.

Note on Fast Growing Trees

Lombardy Poplar, Hybrid Poplar, and Hybrid Willow (Husky sizes) should be planted 12 to 18 inches above their root collar to secure them in the ground as they continue with their faster growth rate.