22 MAR 2022
If you are waiting for the perfect time to plant a tree, you are lucky because spring and fall are here. However, as you rush to plant trees in your backyard and restore your home’s aesthetics, you must ensure the trees are planted correctly. That’s why it is advisable to consult a tree care company for professional tips on enhancing your trees and avoiding premature tree death. The professionals at Sesmas Tree Service have come up with a detailed step-by-step tree planting guide so that you can enjoy durable, healthy trees.
Start by digging a hole three times the width of your new tree’s root ball, and ensure that the soil around it is well-drained and loose, easy to amend, and free of rocks. Another vital factor to consider when digging a tree hole is the depth, which needs to be the same as the tree’s root ball. Ensuring that the depth is correct provides a stable and solid foundation that prevents it from sinking.
Another reason why maintaining the proper hole depth is to prevent tree deterioration and death resulting from planting in a deeper hole. There’s no formula to digging the perfect spot, and all that’s required is to ensure that the tree trunk is slightly higher than the soil around it. When planting a new tree, always ensure that the tree’s trunk flare is always visible, meaning you’ll have to pull away the soil to find the root ball.
You need to ensure that you are not planting a tree in low spots to avoid the risk of water pooling and mulch washing down and collecting around the trunk flare before it eventually covers it completely. If this is not dealt with in time, it can lead to fungal growth, attract pests and insects, damage, or kill your new tree before it fully matures.
Backfilling the Planting Hole
Once you have safely positioned the new tree in its hole, you need to use the same soil you dug out to backfill the hole. Ensure that the tree is steady before utilizing a shovel to fill the soil around the tree’s root ball. Most people concerned with the nutrient content in their soil opt to add amendments, to improve fertility and the soil structure. However, before doing that, you should consult a tree service provider to determine if it is necessary and how much is required.
As you backfill, ensure that the soil settles evenly, preventing air pockets from forming. You need to ensure that water and air move freely through the soil, which can be difficult if there are air pockets. We recommend backfilling the soil in layers and tamping it gently before watering the new tree. If you follow this guide, you are guaranteed a healthy and lush lawn. Contact us today at Sesmas Tree Service, and schedule an appointment with our experts.
