In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows the proper way to plant a tree.
How to plant a tree
- Measure width of tree’s root ball; multiply times three to calculate tree-hole diameter.
- Mark the tree-hole diameter onto the ground with line-marking spray paint.
- Use shovel to remove grass from marked circle; place grass on tarp and add to compost.
- Measure height of root ball up to the root flare.
- Dig hole depth to equal height to root flare.
- Stretch taut string across hole and measure down to check hole depth.
- Roll the tree into the hole.
- Cut twine from branches.
- Rotate tree with best side facing the street.
- Use bolt cutters to remove the wire basket from the root ball.
- Pull the burlap away from the root ball.
- Add superphosphate and starter fertilizer to the hole.
- Back fill around root ball with excavated topsoil.
- Force garden hose deep into hole and fill hole with water.
- Water tree every day for the first week, twice a week for the second week, and then once a week every week until the ground freezes.
