How to Plant a Container Tree Correctly

Container trees come in many sizes.

Tree containers, also referred to as "pots," hold different varieties of trees. Growers wrap larger and more mature trees in netting or wide sections of burlap. Professional landscapers might choose big trees, but most homeowners and weekend gardeners select smaller container trees. Garden centers offer a wide variety of container trees that include flowering and nonflowering specimens. Fruit trees, woody shrubs, and arborvitae comprise other common container trees. Pot sizes for the most popular trees range from 5 to 25 gallons.

Things You'll Need

• Hoe
• Pointed shovel
• Tape measure
• Bark mulch
• Water

Instructions

1. 

   Some trees are planted in full sun.

   Select a spot for planting your tree. Some trees thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Choose a locale that has the best exposure for the type of tree you're planting.

2. 

   Get the site ready for a container tree.

   Prepare the location. Break up the soil with a hoe or pointed shovel. Expose the area where you intend to dig the hole, and remove all clumps of grass and rocks. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches.

3. 

   Measure the tree's root section.

   Turn the container on its side, and gently remove the tree by tugging the container away from the tree roots. Use a tape measure to calculate the depth of the tree's root section. Measure the width of the root section. These measurements become crucial when digging the hole for the tree.

4. 

   Thin out pot-bound roots.

   Scrutinize the tree's root system. If the roots are wound around themselves, cut them free with your pruning shears. Eliminating excess roots will stimulate the growth of new roots once the tree is planted.

5. 

   Container trees need room to grow.

   Dig a hole twice the depth of the root ball of the tree. Make the width of the hole three times larger than the size of the root ball. This encourages new tree roots to grow in an outward direction.

6. 

   A newly planted container tree absorbs nutrients from the soil.

   Refill the hole with soil and mulch in equal parts. Use your shovel as a measuring device, and blend the soil and mulch together with the tip of your shovel. Nutrients that help the tree grow disperse into the soil as the bark mulch decomposes. Place your container tree in the hole, and check for levelness using the surface of the earth surrounding it. Add or remove soil and mulch mixture to raise or lower the level of your tree.

7. 

   Place mulch around your tree.

   Use the rest of the loose soil to backfill the planting hole. While refilling the hole, press the soil in firmly with your hands. If you tamp it down with your feet, the soil will become compacted and lose oxygen. Apply a layer of bark mulch all around the newly planted tree. A 3-inch thickness of organic material helps prevent the growth of weeds and conserves moisture.

8. 

   Water newly planted container trees dailly.

   Devise a method of providing water for your newly planted tree. It will need 3 to 5 gallons of water daily for at least 10 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Always move and carry your container tree by holding the rim of the container.

• Avoid overwatering your tree. Excessive watering can be fatal to a newly planted container tree.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trees and Shrubs"; Joshua Plunkett, Jeanne K. Hanson; 2008
• "Taylor's Guide to Trees: the Definitive, Easy-to-Use Guide to 200 of the Garden's Most Important Plants"; Susan A. Roth; 2001
• "Howard Garrett's Plants for Texas"; Howard Garrett; 1996
• "The Tree Book: A Practical Guide to Selecting and Maintaining the Best Trees"; Jeff Meyer; 2004