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There is NEVER a bad time to plant a tree! A few good reasons? Well, research shows that trees help the speedy recovery of hospital patients and can reduce stress in the workplace. Community trees are linked to higher property values (as much as 28%), increased income levels, increased tax revenues, increased number of jobs and worker activity which directly correlates to higher numbers of customers and shoppers.
Windbreaks from trees can shield a home against snow and wind, reducing heating costs by as much as 30%. A large shade tree or trees can reduce air conditioning costs by 15 and up to 50%. Neighborhoods without trees, particularly those with many parking lots and asphalt coverage, can be up to 30% hotter!
These are just a few of the great reasons to plant a tree! So enough of why you should plant a tree, you’re ready to take action, right?!?
It’s easy, here’s how you plant a tree properly so that it grows fast and healthy!

• Step 1 - Buy the Tree

It’s obvious, but make sure that whatever type of tree you buy will not only survive but will thrive in the environment you’re going to plant it in. Also take note if the tree you’re planting needs shade, partial sunlight, or full sun. These are imperative to the survival of your tree.

• Step 2 - Digging the Hole

Grab a shovel and start digging! You’ll want to make the hole just a little wider (maybe a 4-6 inches) than the pot the tree comes in. Dig down deep enough so that you can fit the whole tree in the hole you’ve dug and that the tree itself rests a few inches below ground level. You can test this by placing the potted tree into the hole.

• Step 3 - The “Pedestal”

This is easy but important. To ensure your newly planted tree doesn’t get root rot you’ll want to place a “pedestal” of dirt in the center of the hole. Make the “pedestal” an inch or two in height, this will stop the trees roots from just sitting in a puddle of water.

• Step 4 - Planting Your Tree

Remove your tree from it’s pot or sack. Place it into the hole you’ve dug and make sure, again, that you’ve got ~6 inches on all sides, a pedestal at the bottom of the hole, and that the base of the trunk isn’t to low in the ground. (It should be about even with the level of dirt around it.) If the soil you’re planting in isn’t rich soil, meaning it’s flaky and dry, then it’s recommended you add about 1/4 fertilizer or manure to the dirt you end up filling in around your tree. This will help feed your tree vital nutrients. Pack the dirt around your newly planted tree tightly making sure there are no air pockets around the roots.

• Immediate Care for Your New Tree

Immediately after planting your tree water it thoroughly! Fertilizing your tree is also recommended. Be sure to read the directions on the box so you don’t over-fertilize and burn your tree’s roots. After you’ve planted your tree, watered and fertilized it wait an hour and go water it thoroughly again. If it’s in a windy area and is already a few feet tall you may want to place a stake next to it and tie your tree to the stake to make sure it doesn’t blow over.

Now sit back, water your tree as recommended, and enjoy watching it grow!

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