Essential Tips for Proper Tree Planting with myLawn! Turf & Tree

Planting a tree is an exciting long-term investment that involves thoughtful planning and action! For vibrant, healthy trees that thrive for years to come, following the best practices outlined by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI A300 guidelines is key. Let’s grow a greener future together!

1. Choosing the Right Tree

Before planting, carefully consider the species of tree you want. The mature size of the tree must fit the space you’re planting it in, and pay close attention to sun and soil requirements:

• Space limitations: Avoid planting large trees (50–60 ft tall and 40 ft wide) in narrow 15–20 ft spaces.

• Surroundings: Consider overhead lines, nearby buildings, and underground utilities like sewer and sprinkler lines.

• Soil compatibility: Different trees thrive in different soil types. Be sure to consider the tree's needs regarding drainage and pH. Avoid excessive amendments; use native soil whenever possible. A small amount of peat moss or cottonwood burr can be added, but the focus should be on long-term soil improvement through mulching.

2. Irrigation and Sprinklers

Over-watering is one of the most common reasons newly planted trees fail. The first four years of irrigation should be monitored closely unil established:

• Check the location of sprinkler heads in the area to ensure they aren’t over-saturating the root ball while watering.

• Adjust irrigation patterns if necessary.

• Remember: a properly planted tree with a good mulch ring does not need excessive watering. Too much water will suffocate roots and kill the tree.

• Watering practice: Provide slow, deep watering immediately after planting and during establishment. Watering frequency should depend on soil moisture, rather than a regular schedule. Shade, rain, and wind vary, so should your watering schedule. It is better to underwater your tree than to overwater it!

  
  

3. Planting Depth and Root Ball Preparation

Improper planting depth is a leading cause of long-term tree failure:

• Expose the root flare: This is the point where the trunk flares out into the main roots. It should always be visible above ground.

• Remove excess soil: Containerized or burlapped trees often have 2-8 inches of excess soil covering the root flare. Removing this layer of soil is key to preventing girdling roots.

• Remove burlap and wire: Removing the burlap and wire is important to ensure the best possible root establishment. Once the tree is in the hole, it is safe to remove the burlap and metal wiring.

• Plant above grade: Position the base of the root flare about 2 inches above ground level.

• Adventitious roots: As you remove the soil from the top of the root ball, remove any circling or girdling roots above the root flare to prevent long-term strangulation of the trunk.

4. Digging and Backfilling the Hole

The width and backfilling method of the hole are critical:

• Width: Dig a hole 2–3 times the width of the root ball. For a 2-foot root ball, the hole should be about 6 feet wide.

• Shape: Aim for a “cereal bowl” shape—wide and shallow—to encourage outward root growth.

• Backfill: Use the excavated native soil. Place it in layers, lightly tamping or watering as you go to remove air pockets without over-compacting. Be cautious of adding too many amendments unless an arborist recommends it. 

5. Securing the Tree

In windy areas like central Kansas, staking is often necessary but must be done correctly:

• When to stake: Only stake if the site is windy or the tree cannot stand upright on its own.

• Duration: Remove stakes within 3–6 months. Leaving stakes for a year or longer can weaken the tree.

• Stake loosely: Allow the tree to sway 3–4 inches in either direction. This natural movement strengthens the trunk through a process called thigmomorphogenesis.

• Ties: Ensure ties do not cut into the bark. They should be flexible and checked regularly.

6. Mulching for Soil Health

A wide mulch ring under the canopy greatly benefits young trees:

• Size: The wider the mulch ring, the better the root environment.

• Depth: Apply 2–4 inches of mulch.

• Placement: Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to avoid rot and pests (never create “mulch volcanoes”).

• Material: Use natural, non-dyed bark mulch.

• Benefits: Mulch improves soil health slowly by adding organic matter, especially important in clay-heavy soils. It also helps retain soil moisture, temperature, prevents mechanical damage, and suppresses weeds.

7. Root Establishment Program

Newly planted trees, especially in Central Kansas soil, will benefit from a root establishment program during the first 3–4 years:

• Nutrient support: Our soils often lack essential nutrients for strong root growth.

• Soil health: Programs that improve soil fertility and encourage beneficial biology (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi) are preferred over high-nitrogen fertilizers.

8. Pruning and Protection at Planting

• Pruning: Do not heavily prune at planting. Only remove broken, dead, or crossing branches. Structural pruning should wait for the first 2 or 3 years of establishment.

• Trunk protection: Avoid tree wraps or plastic guards unless there is a specific risk of rodent damage, mechanical injury, or sunscald. Guards can trap moisture and cause disease.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most tree failures can be traced to four preventable mistakes:

1. Wrong variety of tree for the space

2. Overwatering

3. Improper hole size or shape

4. Planted too deep

   
   

Final Thoughts

Planting a tree is truly a fulfilling adventure that goes beyond merely digging a hole! To help your tree thrive for years to come, it's essential to follow the best practices endorsed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This means choosing the right species, prepping the soil effectively, managing watering, exposing the root flare, staking with care, applying plenty of mulch, and backfilling thoughtfully. Taking the time to plant your tree properly can add decades to its life, ensuring that it grows strong and healthy. With a little preparation and a focus on the future, you’re not just planting a tree—you’re creating a beautiful landscape that will flourish for generations to enjoy! Let’s make our world greener together!