Tree Planting Techniques

Mark J. PlattenCSU Extension Director, Teller County

Planting Seedlings• Best time is early spring before they break

dormancy – beginning of March to end of May. Late fall, October is also a good time.

–This allows the most time for roots to develop.

• CSFS sells seedlings in both potted and bare root stock.

• Looking into grants to help assist over the next few years.

Seedling in a Soil Container• Ideal to plant as soon as possible.

– Keep in a cool, protected area and harden off if possible.

– Keep moist, but not saturated• Follow proper spacing – based on species.• Keep seedlings protected while planting.

Planting Seedlings in a Soil Container1. Dig a hole 6-12” in diameter and to a depth where the root collar

is slightly above ground level.2. Remove seedling without breaking the root ball.3. Place in hole.4. Pull loose soil over roots, filling the hole halfway.5. Lightly tamp soil, and backfill remainder of the way (don’t add

topsoil, peat, or fertilizer.)6. Water at rate of 1-2 gallons per seedling – this settles the soil so

no additional tamping is needed.7. Place 2” of organic mulch around seedling.8. You may want to put tree tubes or repellants on trees.

Bare Root Seedlings• Ideal to plant as soon as possible.

– Keep roots protected from air, sunlight, and drying out.

• Follow proper spacing.• Keep seedlings protected while planting in a bucket of polymer or soil slurry.

Planting bare root treesGenerally, at least 2 structural roots within the top 1-3”, measured 3-4” from trunk.

Spread roots horizontally

Top of soil 1” above grade with backfill soil tapering away

Shallow saucer-shaped planting hole, 3 times root spread

**Follow steps 4-7 for container seedlings to complete planting

Transplanting Trees• Best timing is spring and fall

– Keep soil in place with burlap or other material.– Generally only capture 5-20% of small root mass.

• Follow proper spacing.• Follow proper planting techniques identified on the

following slides.• Generally, for each inch of tree diameter, it takes a full year to establish the roots.

Step 1. Determine depth of planting holeEpidemic of planting too deep

Trunk girdling roots

o Caused by planting too deep

o May show up 12-20 years after planting

o May be below soil level

o Trunk girdling roots kill more landscape trees than all other causes combined.

Root ball rises 1-2” above grade Imperative that top of root ball comes to

surface No backfill soil over top of root ball 1” diameter tree -- 1” above grade 2-4” diameter tree -- 2” above grade

Tree too deep in root ballCorrect in the planting process

1. Adjust depth of planting hole2. Remove excess soil during the

backfill step

Step 2. Saucer shaped planting hole, 3x root ball diameter

Brings roots up when low soil oxygen limits growth.

When dug with an augero During backfill, cut back

sides, creating saucer shape

On slopes, plant “out-of-hill”

Planted “In to Hill”

Container grown nursery stock

a. Lay tree on side in or near planting hole

b. Wiggle or cut off container

c. Do NOT pick up tree by its trunk.

Step 3. Set tree in place, removing container/wrappings

Container grown nursery stock

To deal with circling roots, shave off the outer 1-1½” of the root ball with a knife, saw, or pruners.

Remove all wrapping (fabric, twine, wire basket, etc.) on upper 12 inches or upper 2/3, which ever is greater.

Balled and Burlap Trees

Step 4. Backfill with site soil

No backfill soil over top of root ballBackfill soils covers knees, tapering down

Top of root ball rises 1-2” above grade

Lightly firm Best to water-pack soilDo not stomp or pack tightly

Amending back fill with organic matter

o Routine procedureo Sale of soil amendments = good marketingo Arborists divided on benefits

o Some always amendo Others never amendo No more than 5%

o No fertilizer addedo Adds growth to top instead of roots.

• 400% increase in fine root development under mulch compared to grass

• 20% faster top growth on mulched trees

• Protects trunk from lawnmower injury

• Don’t put mulch around the trunk, it invites voles and disease.

Why Mulch?

Questions?