How to Plant Trees
Want to plant great trees in your yard? Learn how to plant trees and what to do to give them a great start in this Lowe’s video:
The first thing to think about is where to plant your tree. Some zoning and neighborhood associations have rules about what and where you can and can’t plant. Also, before you dig. call 811 to have any underground utilities marked. Watch the space to see how much sun it gets; that will be important when you select your tree.
Trees at garden centers typically have tags that specify things like sun or shade locations. They’ll also tell you the size of the mature tree, so you know how far to plant from buildings, fences, landscaping or overhead wires. The tags also have info about pollination requirements and the right growing zone for each tree. Native trees are best.
A good time to plant is in the fall or early spring In southern areas, trees can be planted in winter. Palm trees should be planted in the summer.
Once you have your trees and location, it’s time to plant:
1. Dig the hole about two times the width and the exact depth of the container. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole. Double check that the hole is deep enough by temporarily placing the tree.
2. Pull the tree out and add some water to the hole to moisten the soil at the bottom. Then remove the container by cutting it on two sides. Hold the tree by the root ball and place it in the hole. Gently loosen the roots to help them grow out.
3. Make sure that the trunk is straight and the top of the root crown is even with the ground. Trees can be staked in areas of high wind.
4. Now backfill the hole with soil, filling all around the roots. Gently tamp the soil to remove any air pockets. Add about 2 inches of mulch on the dug-up area, but don’t pile mulch against the tree. This will help hold moisture and protect the roots in cold climates.
5. Finally, you need to thoroughly soak the soil with water.
For the first year, you should water two to three times a week, and even more frequently in dry weather. A timer and a soaker hose can make that job easier. With that, your tree is ready to grow healthy and strong.
