Tips for Planting New Trees
While planting trees is not a service we offer, we do see a lot of newly planted trees on client’s properties and answer even more questions about the proper way to care for them. Here are a few FAQ’s about newly planted trees to help you get yours off to a great start:
When is the best time of year to plant a tree?
In general, late fall or early spring are the ideal times to plant trees since they will be in their dormant phase and this allows them to “wake up” in their new location and get a full season of growth from spring rains and summer heat get them established. Many trees can of course be planted through the summer as well but it just means extra care has to be taken to ensure proper watering takes place and heat stress does not set in.
How big of a hole should I dig?
Your planting hole should be approx. 2-3 times the width of the root ball and only be so deep that the top of the root ball is level, or a bit higher, than the grade around it. The wider hole means that when it is back filled, the soil surrounding the root ball is broken up a bit which makes it easier for the new roots to expand and establish themselves. When trees are planted too low the roots could suffocate because they are having to pull oxygen through a thicker layer of soil than what they are accustomed to.
Should I leave the container, burlap or wire basket on?
The International Society of Arboriculture suggests that once the tree is in the planting hole, remove as much of the container, burlap or wire mesh as possible before backfilling.
Should I stake the tree?
In an ideal world trees wouldn't be staked which would allow for stronger trunk and root development because they do not have the stakes to rely on however, many times site conditions require the use of stakes to help the tree become established. If using stakes, place one on either side of the tree and use a wide, flexible material to connect the tree to the stake so that the tree is still able to be flexible but use the stakes for support when needed. Stakes can usually be removed after the first year
I planted a new tree a couple years ago and it doesn't seem to be growing. Is something wrong with it?
Most trees go through “transplant shock” for 2-3 years following transplanting. During this stage trees will still produce leaves and grow however, growth will be stunted while the tree is still establishing a new root system and becoming acclimated to its new home. Size and type of tree, transplanting methods, new site conditions, post-planting care are all factors that can affect how long the tree is in “shock”.
For more information see the International Society of Arboriculture’s New Tree Planting bulletin at https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/New_TreePlanting.pdf
