DIY Network

Curb Upheaval: How to Plant a Tree Most trees are buried too deep; learn how to plant them just above the surface of the ground. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-111

Doug and Jeanette follow landscape architect Jason Yocums lead and plant several trees in the play area and in the yard.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

Materials:

desired trees
shovel
tape measure
utility knife
bolt cutters
enriched soil
stakes
tree wraps
twine or wire
mulch

Tree Planting Tips:

• Water plants between 5 and 9 am. Water evaporates too quickly during the day and watering at night leaves plants and trees vulnerable to fungus and disease.

• The first year is critical for new trees and only after 3-4 years are trees fully established.

• Consult your local nursery for trees and plants that will grow best in your area.

Safety Alert:

• Before you dig, call 811. The Common Ground Alliance has set up a national public service number, 811, connecting you with your local utilities marking organization. Make the call two days before starting an outdoor project.

How to Plant a Tree:

• Jason measures the root ball of the tree (figure A) and digs a hole twice as big as the circumference of the root ball and not quite as deep, so that the root ball is 2" out of the hole (figure B). Jeanette and Doug’s tree roots are 16", so their hole is only 14" deep.

  Tip: Most trees are buried too deep and can often die from suffocation or drowning, so plant them just above the surface of the ground.

• Doug cuts the twine from the base of the tree and cuts the metal cage from the root ball (figure C). Remove any plastic from around the tree roots.

• Then Doug and Jason pull the burlap wrap down about two-thirds from the base of the roots (figure D). Leave the burlap wrap in the hole, as it will decompose naturally.

• Jason adjusts the tree so it sits up straight and positions it into place (figure E).

• Doug shovels dirt around the root ball. Jason and Doug use a shovel full of native soil for each shovel full of enriched soil (figure F).

• When the hole is filled, Doug lightly presses the tree into the ground with his foot. Then he waters the tree with a hose, soaking the area next to the tree trunk and around the new soil (figure G).

• Jason places sturdy stakes on either side of the tree, just outside of the hole and pounds them into the ground with a sledgehammer (figure H).

• He wraps tree straps around the planted tree in either direction, above a lower branch (so it won’t slide) and attach them loosely to either stake with wire (figure I).

  Tip: Add mulch around the base of the tree to slow the evaporation from the soil. Doug and Jeanette’s trees are in their play area, so their Fibar-play surface will act as mulch (figure J).

• Doug waters the tree the next day and then deep soaks the planted tree once every week to two weeks after that, depending on the moisture levels.

RESOURCES :
Common Ground Alliance
Call Before You Dig "Call 811"
Toll-free: 811
Website: www.call811.com/default.aspx

GUESTS :
Jason Yocum, ASLA
Landscape Architect
SunStone Design LLC
Denver, CO
Phone: 720-273-8488
E-mail: sunstonedesign@att.net