Guidelines for Successful Urban Tree Planting

Choose the right tree/plant for the site.

• Choose plants that will thrive in each particular site.
• Match moisture requirement of plants to site.
• Use the best cultivars available.

Do your research.

• Select a quality nursery.
• Visit the trade shows to see many nurseries at one time.
• Top quality nurseries belong to professional organizations.
• Check for good references.
• Visit the nurseries.
• Research their practices and suppliers.

Selecting a quality tree.

• Trunks should be straight with no scars or marks on them.
• Branching structure should be evenly spaced, not crowded.
• Branch attachments should not have included bark.
• Check the root ball.
• Root ball must be tight and always hold together.
• Root ball must be proportionate to the size of the tree.

Tree Diameter	Root Ball
1 3/4"	22"
2"	24"
2 1/2"	28-32"
3"	32-36"
4"	44"

 

Tips

Use of wire baskets is common practice. It is recommended that you remove the top 2 rungs after the ball is properly positioned in the hole. Soil that tree was grown in should be very similar to soil at planting site because water and air don't move well from one soil type to another. Plants grown in sandy soils do not develop the best root systems for transplanting. Sandy root balls dry out more quickly than the non-sandy soils they are planted in. Do not select a tree that can move within the root ball. The trunk of the tree should be centered in the root ball. Burlap should be natural or treated, but not synthetic.



Timing

Trees should only be dug during their dormant season (October to April). Trees survive best when dug, shipped and planted within 2-3 weeks. If trees can't be planted immediately they should be mulched in. Trees dug after they leaf out do not survive as well. Most species of trees do well when transplanted in the fall; others prefer the spring.

Site preparation and soil conditions

Root systems need oxygen, water and nutrients. If any of these are missing, the tree will suffer. Use the same soil for backfill that came from the hole. Only if soil is extremely poor, remove as much as possible and replace with topsoil.

Care after planting

Always water in trees during planting. Always use some form of organic mulch. Mulch should be no more than 2-3 inches deep and kept at least 6" away from the trunk. If you do not get 1" of rain each week, the tree must be watered. If quality trees are purchased and planted properly staking is not necessary. Water, water, water. Especially during dry spells.

Based on a presentation by William Fountain, PhD.