Ideally, the best time to plant a tree is from late fall after leaf drop (October) through early spring before bud break (March). Planting during this time allows the roots to begin growing before the hot, dry summer.

Before planting, locate the sprinkler system and utility lines to avoid damage. To have utility lines located for you, call the customer service number on your utility provider’s monthly bill a few days before planting.

When your site is okayed, you’re ready to begin.

1. Dig a Wide Hole
   
   Your planting hole should be as deep as the root ball and at least twice as wide. Planting a tree 1-2 inches high is better than planting too deep. Be sure to slope and roughen the sides of the hole so roots can grow easily through the surrounding soil.
   
   
2. Position the Tree in the Hole
   
   Handle the tree gently by the root ball or the container to prevent trunk damage. If the tree is in a container, lay the tree on its side and roll the container until it slips off of the root ball. Using a sharp knife, slice the root system in four places to prevent circling root growth in the ground.
   
   Place the tree in the center of the hole, making sure that it stands straight. The bottom of the root ball should sit on the undisturbed soil. The top of the root ball should be even, or a little higher than the surrounding ground. If the root ball is burlapped, carefully cut away and remove all binding strings, wire and material.
   
   
3. Backfill with Original Soil
   
   Fill the hole midway with the soil that came from the hole. Don't add sand, foreign soil or chemical fertilizer to the original soil. Soak with water to remove air pockets. Then add the remaining soil and soak again.
   
   
   
4. Mulch
   
   Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to the planting area. Mulch insulates the soil, reduces weeds, retains moisture, adds nutrients, and prevents soil compaction. Be sure to keep mulch away from the tree trunk.
   
   
5. Water
   
   Although water requirements vary according to soil type, weather conditions and irrigation procedures, water your new tree on a regular basis for the first two years to encourage a strong root system. During the summer, water once weekly if there is no rainfall. Water slowly with a soaker hose so the water penetrates deeply into the soil. Keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering. Too much water makes leaves yellow or fall off.
   
   
6. Finishing Touches

After the tree is in the ground, here a few final steps to ensure a healthy tree.



• Remove any protective trunk wrapping. Studies show that trunk wrap can retain unwanted temperatures and moisture against the bark and invites and conceals insect infestations.
  
• Remove all tags and labels.
  
• Prune away dead or damaged limbs. (Do no other pruning at this time.)
  
• Add an expandable collar to the base of the tree for protection from lawn care machinery.
  
• Avoid staking the tree unless it is totally unstable. Staking can prevent the tree trunk’s adjustment to winds and prevent the development of flexibility and normal taper. If staking is necessary, use broad, flexible material to secure the tree to the stakes. Remove the stakes after one or two growing seasons.