How to Plant a Tree With a Root Ball
Whether you are planting a deciduous, coniferous, fruit or ornamental tree, one thing remains constant: You will have to bury a root ball. Most trees contain a root ball, or system of roots with attached soil that supports the health of the tree. The root ball must remain in a growing medium at all times in order to provide adequate nourishment to the tree it supports. Without the right type of soil, water and fertilizer, the root ball will dry out and eventually die.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Nursery tag
- Shovel
- Water
- Soil pH testing kit
- Lime or peat moss
- Pitchfork
- Tape measure
- Soaker hose
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1
Choose a location for the tree. Take into consideration its sunlight and space requirements, which can be found on the nursery tag attached to the tree or its container.
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2
Make sure that the soil drains well. Most trees do not like to grow in soggy soil. Overly wet soil can cause root rot, a disease that will kill most trees. To determine the soil's drainage qualities, dig a hole 1 foot deep and fill it with water. If it drains within four hours, the soil has good drainage, but if it takes 12 hours or more, move on to another location.
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3
Note the soil pH requirements for the tree, which also can be found on the nursery tag. Different types of trees prefer different soil pH levels. You can determine the acidity of the soil before planting by using a soil pH testing kit. If your soil pH is off, you will need to amend it with either lime or peat moss after you break it up with a pitchfork.
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4
Use a tape measure to measure the nursery container or the burlap that is protecting the root ball. Dig a hole that matches the height of the container. Dig the hole twice the width of the container.
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5
Remove the tree from the nursery container. If the tree has a root ball wrapped with burlap, use a pair of wire cutters to remove the metal basketry. Untie the burlap at the top of the root ball and peel the burlap down just \far enough to expose the root flare.
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6
Gently place the root ball in the hole, dead center. Backfill the hole halfway, then add just enough water with a garden hose to moisten the soil and secure the root ball. Continue backfilling up to the root flare.
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7
Use your foot to tamp down the soil around the tree trunk to remove air pockets. Air pockets can cause the roots to dry out.
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8
Water the tree liberally and deeply with a soaker hose. Provide the tree with approximately 1 inch of water per week. Continue watering at this rate throughout the first growing season. Once the tree is established, supplemental watering is only required during times of drought.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Most trees require fertilizing after the first growing season. Check the nursery tag for the recommended type of fertilizer and apply it according to packaging instructions.
Applying a 3-inch layer of mulch underneath the canopy of a tree can help to protect the roots from cold snaps, reduce weed growth, and promote good drainage. Check the nursery tag to determine if mulch is acceptable for the tree that you are planting. Use straw or bark chips for mulch.
Do not plant a tree in a hole deeper than the root ball. If you dig the hole too deep, fill it with soil before placing the tree in the hole. A root flare planted under the soil will result in an unhealthy tree.
