Graphics / Illustration: Tom Laird, College ofAgricultural Sciences. Copyright Penn State.

Preparing Your Site for Successful Tree Planting

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Penn State Pointers

For Spring/Summer/Fall Time Frame

Root ball

Firm, high quality topsoil

Recommendations...

• Plant the right tree forthe site conditions: soil pH,compaction, sun, shadeand moisture.

• Remove all twine fromaround the trunk. Removenatural burlap (and wirebasket) from upper half ofroot ball, then push burlapinto the bottom of the hole.All plastic coverings mustbe removed from the hole.

• Water the tree by slowlysoaking the ground androot ball as soon as thetree is planted.

• Spread 2 to 3 inches ofmulch around the tree baseto retain moisture. Keepmulch 2-3 inches from trunk.

• Avoid fertilizing the treefor the first year until itsroot system is established.

BEST TIMESTO PLANT...

Fall is ideal,spring is O.K.

• Plant trees asdeep as the root ballsin wide holes that aretwo to three times thewidth of the root ball.

• Level the top of the rootballs with the existing terrain.

• If suitable, backfill withthe original soil from

the hole.