How to Plant a Tree

How to plant and stake a tree properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• shovel
• tree
• location

1. 
   Evergreen

   First start with deciding what tree it is that you would love and then determine weather you can actually get some kind of value from the tree. For instance evergreens like pine,spruce, or fur can give you, privacy all year long and protect your house from the wind if strategically placed. The other example of value from your purchase would be a beautiful deciduous tree like an Autumn Ash or Red Sunset Maple or even a gorgeous White Oak. Which can Provide shade during the summer months cutting some of your cooling bills.

2. 
   Planting the tree

   After deciding what tree it is that you want safely transport it home wrapped up so you don't lose too many leaves on the way home.If it's a large tree back the truck right up to the planting location. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball on the tree in diameter. Mix peat moss in with the fill and add a little fill to the hole to make sure the trees root ball stays above the ground level. Never plant the tree too deep it will smother it. Place the tree with the most attractive side toward your focal point. Stand back and look at it to make sure it's straight.

3. 
   Soil Berm

   Once you've got the tree in place. Back fill with the peat mixture. If the soil is really clayey back fill with some other soil mix. Firmly pack the soil in around the tree. Then make a small berm around the tree with soil. Once the tree is planted it should be staked to prevent wind from blowing it over. About a year until it has established some rooting system to hold it up.

4. 
   Guy Wiring

   There are a few ways you can stake the tree. Guy wiring is where you take three small stakes and pound them in the ground around the tree. Take a wire from each stake and tie it around the tree above the first set of branches. Always use a rubber hose to put your wire through to go around the tree as not to girdle or hurt the tree. Guy wiring is usually used for larger trees. A smaller tree you can use a long stake and drive it into the ground diagonally next to the tree on the north east side of the tree. Whatever side opposite the wind. Tie the wire through the hose wrap around the tree and tie around the stake.

5. 
   Water the tree

   After all of that throw a handful of some all purpose fertilizer around the tree to promote root growth. Then use a mulch around the tree to preserve moisture and dress it up. Lay a hose next to the trees base and let the water run slowly for an hour or two. Water weekly for at least one season. Enjoy your beautiful tree for many years to come.

6. About Arbor Day.
   What is Arbor Day?
   Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.
   National Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, is celebrated on the last Friday in April.
   Celebrate Arbor Day on April 24, 2009 and plant a tree.

Tips & Warnings

• plant a tree too low it won't grow, plant it high it won't die
• Never plant a tree too deep.

[beckylyn]

on 7/20/2009 thanks for the tips on planting a tree!

[harvard]

on 4/22/2009 Excellent article on celebrating Earth Day and how to plant a tree. Once it's in the ground you can't change things so read up and do it right. Making sure the attractive side faces your focal point is very important. New homeowners can benefit from reading this. Thank you. 5*

[barba0727]

on 4/19/2009 Great idea and wonderful article. 5*

[iwantyourbutt]

on 4/17/2009 Yay for trees! 5 twinklies!

[MariM]

on 4/15/2009 Awesome tips on planting a tree.5*recmd