Tree Planting 101 with Resident Gardening Mom, Carrie

With Earth Day upon us, I figure I’d share with you all my easiest steps to planting a tree. 

Step 1:  Select a site that is large enough for the tree to grow.  Look overhead, make sure that there is plenty of space for the tree’s canopy to extend.  Also be sure not to plant it where underground utilities could be.  (Call before you dig, dial 811)

Step 2: Begin by digging a hole as deep as the tree’s root ball is, and 2 to 3 times as wide as the diameter of the root ball.

Step 3:  Place the tree gently into the hole. The tree’s trunk flare (this is where the roots begin to “flare” out from the main stem of the tree) should be placed at grade level. 

Step 4: Cover up the root ball with soil.  Be as careful as you can, not to disturb the roots of the tree, especially if it is a seedling. 

Step 5: Water in the tree.  And don’t think you only have to water it this once, you will have to continue to water it throughout the year.

Step 6:  Protect the tree from pets, people and mowers. (depending on where you live, you may want to use fencing, stakes, or tree wrap to protect the tree’s trunk)  I also like to mulch the base of the tree and extend out several feet, this also keeps weeds away, too.

And your done!  Now breathe in that great Oxygen!!  Happy Planting & Happy Earth day!

Carrie Longacre is a Chester County Mommy to a very active toddler, Hannah, and wife to her Landscaper husband, Marc.  Carrie has been gardening ever since she could walk and has a degree in Horticultural Business from Penn State University