Planting for Success
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now.
Most of us are familiar with this saying and it speaks to our common knowledge regarding the many benefits that trees provide. These benefits are vast and include carbon sequestration, stormwater capture, improved water quality, air pollution reduction, oxygen production, reduced stress, energy savings and on and on. (For more information on the value of Florida’s urban forest see this article) These benefits are only fully realized however, when we support trees to successfully reach maturity.
Planting a tree seems like a fairly straight forward process, dig a hole, put the tree in it, right? Talk to ten people and they will likely all tell you ten different ways to plant your tree. Either telling you that you must prune the tree branches when you plant it so the roots will grow (not true) or that you should refill the hole with special potting soil (also not true).
To give your tree the best start in life, follow the planting suggestions below:
First, take the time to assess your surroundings by looking up, down, and around for potential conflicts such as overhead electrical lines, underground utilities, or nearby sidewalks. It’s important to select a planting location where irrigation is accessible to ensure the tree’s successful establishment.
For optimal watering, your new tree should receive two gallons of water per inch of its caliper daily for the first month. After that, water it every other day for five months, gradually reducing the frequency until the tree is fully established.
When preparing the planting hole, leave about one inch of the root ball above the lip of the hole. This accounts for any future settling of the soil and prevents the fine roots from suffocating. The hole should be about one-third larger than the root ball’s diameter.
As you handle the tree, carefully inspect the roots, looking for circling or girdling roots. If you find any, prune them to prevent future problems. If the tree’s roots are root-bound, meaning they are tightly compacted and hold the shape of the container, you can shave the root ball with a sharp spade.
When placing the tree in the hole, an extra set of hands may be helpful to keep the trunk straight. Use native soil to backfill the hole. If you choose to amend the soil with compost to improve aeration, moisture retention, or pH, mix the compost into the native soil beyond the planting hole.
Don’t forget to apply mulch!
A newly planted tree benefits from a mulch ring at least three feet in diameter. However, it’s crucial to leave space around the root ball and trunk to prevent the mulch from smothering the roots or touching the tree trunk. Mulch is essential for regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, and preventing competition with weeds. Additionally, it serves as a protective barrier against damage from lawn maintenance equipment.
If you follow all of these recommendations, you should see your tree thrive. If you have questions about selecting, establishing, maintaining or pruning your trees, reach out to me! Feel free to email: alyvinson@ufl.edu
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