Living Landscapes in South Dakota - Plant Materials Program - US ...

Steps to Tree Planting
Step 2: If present, break
through impervious soil layers
to allow root expansion. If
deeper than the planting
depth, be sure to backfi ll
and fi rm material to prevent
settling of the tree.
Step 3: Bareroot – spread roots
radially from trunk. Potted
– remove pot, untangle roots,
and spread radially from trunk.
Container grown – remove
pot, inspect for girdling roots. If
present, make several vertical
cuts with sharp knife about 2
inches into root ball. Ensure that
a portion of the trunk fl are will
be above existing soil grade.
Remove all twine, netting, and
wire baskets. It is permissible to
leave small inaccessible amount
directly beneath the bottom of
the ball.
Step 4: Make sure
trunk is vertical.
Step 1: Dig hole 2 to 3 times
wider than the diameter of
the root ball or pot. It should
be no deeper than the root
ball. The trunk fl are should
be partially visible above the
fi rmed and watered soil.
Step 10: Spread 3 to 4 inches of high
quality coarse, organic mulch. Avoid
deep mulching against trunk. Add thin
layers of mulch every few years to
maintain effective weed control, improve
water infi ltration, and protect roots from
temperature extremes. Areas mulched
around trees also protect from lawn
mowers and line trimmers.
Step 9: Use soft, nonabrasive
material that will permit tree
6 to 12 inches of side-to-side
movement in wind. Remove
after 2 years.
Step 8: For tall stock, install 2 to
4 stakes to prevent wind damage.
Stakes should be long enough to bury
12 to 18 inches in the soil and support
trees at the mid-point of the trunk or
just below the canopy. Wood stakes
should be 2x2s to resist breakage.
Remove after 2 years.
Step 7: Use protective
devices (tree wrap, fences,
tree shelters, aluminum foil,
etc.) to protect trunks from
mechanical damage, and
animal and weather injury.
Inspect trunks annually for
potential problems.
Step 5: Backfi ll to half of depth;
lightly pack. Water to top of hole.
Replace remaining soil once
water has soaked away.
Step 6: Construct a small
berm 2 to 3 inches high
around perimeter of
planting zone to retain
water in root ball zone.
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Trees and Shrubs