Trees and Shrubs - Anatomy of a Properly Planted Tree

Always call your local utility company before digging.

Containers and Balled and Burlapped

Step 1. Dig hole 1.5 times wider than the rootball. Hole should be as deep as rootball, slightly shallower on heavy textured soils.

Step 2. If present, break through impervious soil layers to allow root expansion.

Step 3. Remove pot and carefully place rootball in hole. Top of rootball should be level with existing soil grade.

Step 4. Make sure trunk is vertical.

Step 5. Remove synthetic wrapping materials and discard. Roll burlap into bottom of hole and bury with soil.

Step 6. Backfill hole with native, loose soil and then saturate to remove air pockets.

Step 7. Construct a small berm to retain water in rootball zone.

Step 8. Use protective devices to protect trunks from mechanical damage from mowers and trimmers.

Step 9. For tall stock, install 2 to 4 stakes to prevent wind damage; bury stakes one-third to one-half their length.

Step 10. Use soft, biodegradable ties to prevent damage to the trunk.

Step 11. Install woven, water-permeable landscape fabric.

Step 12. Spread one-third inches of high quality coarse, organic mulch. Avoid mulching against trunk.

TIP: Always remove the plant from the pot prior to planting.

TIP: The removal of burlap is unnecessary although it should be untied from the trunk of the tree and rolled back into the planting hole and covered with soil to prevent wicking. Synthetic wraps must be totally removed to prevent girdling.

Bareroot

TIP: Do not leave roots exposed to the air for even brief periods. Keep bareroot plants covered with moist burlap during the planting process. Make sure roots are fully extended and vertical in planting hole. Follow the B&B steps as appropriate.

Adapted from Windbreaks for Montana A Landowner’s Guide, Cooperative Extension Service, Montana State University Bulletin 366, July 1986.

This information is also available for downloading as Chapter 11 of the publication, Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. This document requires Adobe Acrobat.

Trees and Shrubs - Anatomy of A Properly Planted Tree (PDF; 7.8 MB)

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