How to Plant Flowering Trees

Flowering trees such as Cherry Blossoms, Magnolias and Dogwoods can add a majestic touch and beauty to any landscape. When properly cared for, trees are easy to grow and maintain for years of blooming pleasure. Follow these steps to plant a flowering tree in your yard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balled and burlap flowering tree
• Shovel
• Compost
• Manure
• Watering can
• Garden hose
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• String
• Stakes

Planting Flowering Trees

1. Choose an area in your yard and dig a hole that is two to three times the diameter of the tree’s root ball. Make sure the hole is large enough for the roots to expand. The roots need to establish itself for tree growth. You can score around the hole with a shovel to allow root expansion.

2. Remove and discard the burlap around the roots. Lift the tree by its root structure and place it in the hole. Water the root ball before you begin to backfill with the topsoil.

3. Prepare backfill soil by mixing the topsoil with compost or manure. Refill the hole making sure the root ball is level or just below the surface.

4. After you plant the tree, use a root-promoting fertilizer to help root expansion. Spread the fertilizer around the tree and on the root ball.

5. Add two to three inches of mulch around the tree and water regularly, approximately 1-inch of water per week.

6. Stake the tree for at least one growing season to insure stability.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time to plant flowering trees are in the spring and the fall.

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