Hand-dig the holes. Machinery can compact the soil, slowing growth of the tree.
Pull back the burlap covering over the root ball.
Control the weeds and grasses. Field—grown trees sometimes come with weeds. After you've planted the tree, pull the weeds. When they re-emerge it's OK to kill them with an application of glyphosate. It won't hurt the tree, although you should take care to avoid spraying the trunk.
Watch the watering. If the leaves on your trees droop during the heat of a summer day, that may be all right. But if they are wilted already in the morning, they should be watered. Keep in mind that wilted leaves can also mean the trees are overwatered. The best way to check for moisture is to feel. Put your fingers into the ground to check. Add water if the soil is dry. Right after planting however, give your trees a long, slow drink.
Basic Instructions
1. To give them the best start, we added three products to the soil and on
top of it—organic compost and 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer were mixed
into the soil. Pine straw was added on the top to slow evaporation and weed
growth. Your nursery can point you to the best mulch for your area.
2. We used only a few tools—a mattock, rake, shovel and hand pruners. We put
dirt from the holes onto tarps to keep the worksite clean.
3. Where you choose to plant your trees is important. You'll want to avoid
power, phone, gas or septic lines. We're planted the trees in a triangular
formation, each 15 to 20 feet away from the other. It's a pattern that creates
the appealing look of a tree grove.
4. With large trees, you'll want sizable root balls. They add stability to the
trees, and they allow the tree to draw in the water and nutrients needed to
support a plant of this size.
5. Because these are large trees with large root balls, you'll also need to dig
large holes. The hole should be three times as wide as the root ball. Here,
that's 6 feet—and a sore back. And before you think you'll use some
mechanical means to dig, you should know that hand digging is better. It doesn't
pack down the side walls. NEXT >
