How to plant a tree...the RIGHT way.


6. Never plant the tree deeper than the top of the root ball. In fact, leave the tree 3 to 4 inches above the soil line, as the tree will settle into the hole over time. Backfill around the tree. Tap the soil down, but don't pack it in with your boot. Check often to make sure the tree is straight. Try to avoid staking the tree. If you're planting the tree into a sloping area, keep the root ball above the highest point of the hole. On the lower side you'll need to backfill with dirt even above the lip of the hole.

7. Build a circular water dam around the root ball. This helps direct water to the tree when it rains. If the ground is sloped, build the dam only around the low side of the planting.

8. We added the pine straw to a large area around the tree. Make sure you don't push the mulch up against the trunk of the tree. That will hold moisture next to the tree and can cause rotting and disease.

9. Here's the finished planting. Viewed from the porch of this home, the trees will help screen your outside leisure time. And, from the road the trees are a great accent in the yard.

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Photos by Rob Lagerstrom