How to Plant a Tree

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_309915648.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> Originally written by John Gingrich of Gingrich Horticulture Service Planting a new tree on your property may seem like a simple task: dig a hole, put in the tree and refill the hole. However, to ensure a healthy transplant, it’s important to know some of the nuances involved in the process. Consider the following tips for correct tree planting procedure: Dig an appropriately sized hole. Your hole should be just deep enough to house the tree’s root ball while about twice as wide as its diameter. A wide hole will ensure the soil surrounding the roots is soft and loose, which will give them room to develop. However, while additional width is good for a new tree, additional depth is not. Since a tree settles a bit after its initial planting, if you plant it too deep to begin with, it will end up being even deeper, which can leave its base vulnerable to rot. For this reason, when you set the tree into the hole, make sure its root crown is at or just above the soil level.  Avoid loose soil. Once your tree is in place, begin back-filling the hole around it, tamping the soil as you go. You don’t want the soil to be too loose after planting, as the air pockets will create dry spots where the roots can’t grow. A little water can also help settle the soil.   Don’t amend the soil. It may come as a surprise, but when transplanting a new tree, you should resist the urge to add soil amendments like fertilizer. It has been proven that a plant develops a better root system more quickly when no amendments are added at first planting.  Add mulch. While soil amendments are discouraged, one thing you should do after planting your new tree is add a two- to four-inch layer of mulch around it. This will help the soil hold in moisture and moderate its temperature. However, be sure to leave space between the mulch and the tree’s trunk, as mulch up against the trunk can lead to rot.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-tree-service/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Tree Service Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-tree-service/" target="_self">Marin County Tree Service Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-cruz-tree-service/" target="_self">Santa</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-cruz-tree-service/" target="_self">Cruz County Tree Service Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-tree-service/" target="_self">Sonoma County Tree Service Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/monterey-tree-service/" target="_self">Monterey County Tree Service Companies</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Tree-Services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Tree Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>