How big to dig the hole…

You don’t have to dig down to China. It is more important that the hole is wide, to accommodate the spreading root system than deep. Make the width of the planting hole three times as wide as the root spread of the new tree. The depth of the hole only needs to be an inch deeper than the existing root ball. Tree roots spread outward more than they do downward. Remove any large rocks bigger than your fist, but don’t worry about the smaller rocks.

Now, don’t get rotten…

Adding compost to the bottom of a planting hole can cause problems for newly planted trees. Winter rain will flow into the newly dug soil around the tree and the compost can act as a sponge to hold the water in place all winter – causing root rot. Even improving the existing backfill soil with compost can cause problems because improved soil could discourage the roots from spreading out to seek better soil. Current studies recommend not adding any additives to the soil when planting a new tree in the landscape.

Time to remove the pot…..

If your tree or shrub is in a plastic pot you can use a box cutter or utility knife to slice through the plastic and cut the pot off of the tree roots.

Another way to ease a tree from its nursery pot is to lay the pot with tree still inside on its side. Now use your foot to apply pressure on the plastic pot and loosen up the sides by creating air space. Roll the pot back and forth a bit so you can put pressure on all sides of the container. Now the tree and its soil covered root ball should slide easily from the pot with a gentle tug.

If an overgrown root system just won’t let go use a serrated knife or special root pruning saw to slice all along the inside edge of the container. Now, pull the pot away from the roots or use clippers to cut the plastic pot away from the stubborn root ball. Be careful not to damage the crown of the plant – where the roots join the trunk. Be gentle as you work the tree out of its nursery pot.

Don’t Plant Too Deep!

Newly planted trees need to have their crown set right at ground level, not buried up to their necks with soil. The crown is where the roots join the trunk of the tree. Add some of the soil you removed back to the planting hole if you find that the crown is below soil level.

You can also lay the handle of your shovel across the hole you have dug for the tree. Now set the tree into the hole and check that the crown is even with the shovel handle crossing the hole. Fill in around the roots with the same soil you removed when digging the hole.

Firm the soil, don’t stomp on the soil.

Compressing the soil around the tree with your heavy boots can push out all the air spaces. Use your hands to firm the soil around the tree roots without stomping.