How To Plant a Tree

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Trees ask for little, mostly because they cannot talk. So just assume that they like company and plant them a new friend.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A site for your tree
A trowel
A soil sample
A list of tree species native to your area
A local nursery that sells native trees
A large shovel
Fertilizer
Mulch
And a hose or other water supply
Supports and protection for the tree
Compost

Step 1: Choose a spot

Choose a spot to plant your new sapling.

Step 2: Take a soil sample

Dig a small sample of the soil and take a look. If it is heavy with clay or very sandy, plan to add one part compost to every three parts soil that you shovel out.

Step 3: Inspect site

Check for wires and pipes above and below your site. If there are wires above, you may still be able to plant a low-growing tree.

Step 4: Pick a tree

Visit a local nursery and pick out a sapling, ideally one five to six feet tall. Match the tree's preferred soil type and sun exposure to the site you have chosen.

Tip: Trees that are native to your area are more likely to do well in your ecosystem and provide food and habitat to wildlife.

Step 5: Dig a hole

Dig a hole no higher than the root ball but at least twice as wide.

Tip: Leave rough surfaces in the hole so roots can penetrate as they grow. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a stick or shovel.

Step 6: Remove root ball

Quickly remove the root ball from its container and gently straighten the roots as needed. If the roots are wrapped in burlap, let it fall to the bottom of the hole.

Step 7: Place tree

Place the tree in the hole, then stand back to see if it is straight. Adjust as needed.

Step 8: Replace soil

Replace soil around the roots. The flare, where the roots spread at the tree's base, should be just above the soil line.

Step 9: Pack soil

Pack the soil around the tree firmly but gently with hands and feet to fill in any air pockets, but not so hard that water can't get in.

Step 10: Spread mulch

Spread mulch two inches deep in a ring about two feet in diameter around the tree, but not within a few inches of the trunk. Mulch can be wood chips, pine needles, grass clippings, or fallen leaves.

Tip: The ideal time to plant a deciduous tree is while it is dormant: in fall after leaves drop, or in early spring before leaves come out.

Step 11: Water

Water your tree when it doesn't rain. A young tree will need to be watered about every week for the first year.

Step 12: Protect tree

Protect your tree from strong winds by tying two stakes to the trunk. If you have deer in the area, wrap the trunk loosely with wire mesh hardware cloth, especially in winter.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• homefamily
• diy
• instructional
• tutorial
• do
• it
• yourself
• tips
• essential
• skills
• learn
• to
• environment
• ecology
• eco
• friendly

[icemaster377]

1- get a tree

2- dig a hole

3- put tree in hole

4- bury bottom of tree

5- water it

boom done

[haha48]

also citys incress the area that the sun can reflect for example a building will double the amount of area that the sun makes contact with and heats up now times that by the size of the city and the temp will rise

[wthrfish]

@KHMadMan but they're worth the wait. people take a long time to grow big too.

[star4galaxy]

You will need:

They did not mention a tree ;)

[shaunman10]

NEVER USE YOUR FOOT TO PAT DOWN SOIL

[DAN5675able]

I'm thinking of planting a tree for cleaner healthier air

[Routanne]

@icemaster377 Planting a tree is harder than you think, I only guarantee my tree's if I plant them, because most people are idiots...

[Routanne]

Did you know?

That staking tree's makes them weak? You know what wind firm is? Staking them makes them not need to compensate for the wind kicking the shit out of them. So soon they get to big for the stakes and you remove them, most likely when its much bigger, well it hasnt made it self windfirm and gets blown over.

If you must stake your tree, give it a little shake now and again, but just not so hard the top breaks...

[KHMadMan]

the thing i hate about trees is they take too long to grow big

[ajd1211]

I want to plant a tree

[TheBrassHole]

LOL!

[iEATiSURFiSLEEP]

that's what she said