The key to growing a healthy tree begins with proper ...

1 The key to growing a healthy tree begins with proper planting procedures. Skim off turf of an area about 4 in diameter where you are going to plant your tree. The size of the hole depends on the size of the root ball. Most of our large trees require a hole about 3 wide and 2 deep. An easy way to measure and see if you have dug the appropriate depth is by laying a shovel over the hole, then placing another shovel upright in the hole, and using that measurement against the size of the root ball. Digging the hole is easiest when you have the tree with you . Now that the hole is the correct size, scruff up the sides of it a bit, this makes it easier for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil. The Importance of planting a tree at the correct depth cannot be over emphasized. Hopefully your tree isn t too far away. Carefully and gently roll the tree into the hole. Backfill with a few scoops of soil so that the tree is standing relatively straight and make sure that it is situated the way you want it.

2 This is your only chance to change its position and or orientation! At this point only backfill about way. Backfill around the tree with the previous existing soil combined with a few shovel fulls of peat moss, and a few handfuls of bone meal. An easy way to mix these is by depositing a few shovel fulls of peat moss on the mound of soil resulting from digging the hole, and shaking a few handfuls of bone meal. This way, as you return that existing soil as backfill, all three components mix together on their own. Once you have backfilled halfway, and stomped in around the root ball, have another look at the tree. Make sure that it is nice and straight. At this point, cut all the ropes that are looped through the wire basket and around the tree- get them out of there. Now there are 5 wire loops that kind of stick out above the rest, bend these loops back into the hole- essentially getting them below grade. Stepping on them works well to do this.

3 There is burlap around the trunk of the tree and covering the root ball untie it from around the trunk and pull it back so that the top of the root ball is totally exposed. Cut off this portion of the burlap. Continue to backfill and stomp around the root ball until you are level with the top of it. There is no need to pile soil on top of the root ball, as that would bury it too deeply. Keep stomping to eliminate all large pockets of air. If your root ball is slightly above grade simply create a gradual slope away from the edge of the root ball to level ground. Use stakes that are at least 6 tall, pound them into the ground about a foot deep and about 12 to 16 inches away from the trunk. Use stiff wire to link the trunk with the stakes on either side. Be sure to cover the wire with a piece of hose for the part that is touching the trunk as the wire alone would cause a lot of damage. Mulching around the base of the tree is an important step.

4 Mulch to a depth of about 3 . Be sure that the mulch is kept away from the trunk by an inch or two- piling mulch against the trunk can cause trunk rot and encourage rodent damage. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years The next best time is NOW. Chinese Proverb