Select the right time of year for planting the tree.Do not plant in late spring or summer because the heat will stress the plant and may cause it to die.The best time to plant a tree is fall (autumn) or early spring.
Choose a suitable tree for the region,climate,and space.
Research local cultivars of species native to your area.If you will plant a non-native species,consider carefully why.We have chosen all native trees which will do well in our area.
Prepare the hole.Take a suitable shovel and dig a hole that is 2-3 times the width of the root ball,not just enough so it will fit.This lets the roots ease in more easily and begin to grow outwards into the soil.It also allows you to cut off the wire root basket if there is one.
Try to dig the hole with a small "pedestal" of dirt in the center of the hole where the tree will rest.The hole should be a little deeper around the edges but there should be a pedestal of dirt in the center where the root ball sits.This pedestal prevents the root ball from sitting continuously in water.Any excess water will naturally flow to the deeper areas of the hole around the edges where the roots can drink from if needed.Having a pedestal in the center of the hole is very important since one of the major reasons why trees die is "drowning",meaning the tree is getting too much water and the root ball is sitting in a pool of water.The point where the tree comes out of the ground should be slightly higher than the ground around it.Slightly higher means 1/4 to 1/2 inch.This prevents water from collecting next to the base of the trunk which causes the tree to rot.
Use the garden cultivator to loosen the dirt all around the hole to make it easier for the roots to spread.
Prepare the tree for planting.The process is slightly different for a small tree and a large tree:
If it is a small tree,then you can turn it upside down gently to get it out of the pot.You could also cut some plastic containers to remove them.
If the tree is larger and has a net or a hessian or rope bag,you might need to use large scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the packaging.Avoid handling the tree with the burlap off.Put it in the hole,then cut as much of the wire basket and burlap as you can from around it.The goal is to keep as much dirt around the roots as possible; moving the tree more than absolutely necessary can easily cause air to get to the roots and dry them out,even inside the root ball.
Don't leave a tree's roots out of its container or burlap for too long.Especially in sun and wind,it could dry out and damage the roots.
Place the tree into the hole gently.Be sure the hole isn't too deep or too shallow.The ground level of the plant in the pot should match up with the ground level after you fill the hole in.Do not bury over the crown (where the stem changes to root) or leave any roots exposed.
You can place the handle of your shovel flat across the hole from one side to the other to measure whether the crown is level with the surrounding soil before filling in the hole.
Use some compost or composted manure if needed.If the soil that you currently have is not rich,has clay-like qualities or if it has the consistency of dust or sand,the addition of manure or compost will give the tree a great start in life.Backfill three quarters of the hole with existing dirt,one quarter with compost or composted manure.
Water the newly planted tree.Allow settling,backfill the remaining soil,and water again.This will eliminate air pockets.Water one gallon (3.7 liters) for every six inches (15 cm) of tree height.