Gardening Basics

How to Plant a Tree

Planting a tree seems like an easy task, but there is a process involved from start to finish. To give your tree a good chance for success, follow these simple step-by-step instructions.

Filed under: How To, Trees

Place Tree in Hole

Remove the tree from its pot or lining and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole, gently tamping the soil firmly into place around the sides of the root ball to remove air pockets. Make sure the tree is centered and vertical – not leaning.

Water the Tree

Now that the tree is in its new home, it needs water. Set the garden hose on a slow trickle, which will periodically need to be repositioned around the root ball to ensure even watering.

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Mulch

Add a three-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree. Make sure the mulch doesn't sit at the trunk of the tree; brush away any soil or mulch from the flare of the tree trunk.