Tree Planting Basics

You may not know that there is a "proper" way to plant a tree. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a tree that is planted right it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long. The Foundation also gives some general recommendations for proper planting that can help you get your tree into the ground after you bring it home from the store or nursery.

• Dig an area that is one foot deep and five times the diameter of the root ball on the tree that you have purchased.
• Keep the soil that is around the roots in place.
• Be sure that you handle the tree by the root ball and not by the trunk or branches.
• Keep the root ball slightly moist. You don't want it to be completely dried out.
• Take a look at the root ball and cut any roots that look like they are going to circle around it.
• Put the tree into the ground in the hole you have made.
• Pack soil into the hole firmly -- but not too tight.
• Water the soil.
• Put a 3 foot circle of mulch around the tree.

Following these simple guidelines for planting your tree will help make sure it stays healthy and grows properly. Taking the time to do it right means that the tree will have the chance to thrive in the place you put it and grow to become a wonderful part of the natural surroundings.