Find a location that is not directly below electric or cable lines, roofs or existing trees. Ensure you aren’t planting directly above a septic system or well. The roots will reach deeply into the ground.
If you are growing a cedar hedge, the outermost branches of the bottom foliage should be roughly an inch apart when the trees are planted. [3] X Research source
Look for yellow or reddish lesions, gelatinous shapes, or other fungus. The rust disease doesn’t kill the trees or the fruit, but it does cause an eyesore. Prevention of the disease can be accomplished via adequate pruning and fungicide application. [5] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U. S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source
Death of the tree can occur in less than a month if the water exposure is significant. Younger trees are more susceptible. Healthy trees stand a better chance of avoiding water damage. Stressed trees are more likely to suffer damage. [6] X Research source
Very hot locations should receive extra watering whenever possible to prevent the trees from going into shock and dying. Very cold locations should receive extra layers of mulch in order to protect against frozen root systems. [9] X Research source
Early fall planting may be a better option if your area limits water because of the temperature or heat.
Bare root trees still have packaging material. Remove it before doing anything else. Burlap packaging can be removed after placing the tree in the hole. Remember to get all twine and nails that keep the packaging together. Some burlap under the tree may remain, particularly if the tree bulb is heavy. If the burlap is treated or vinyl, however, it needs to be completely removed. [11] X Research source To remove the tree from a container, pick it up at a 45 degree angle, supporting the tree against your leg or body. Slowly rotate the bucket and firmly pat the outside of the bucket. The pat should have a slight downward angle, and be forceful enough to dislodge the tree. [12] X Research source
You can keep the roots submerged in the water bucket for up to a week before they start to rot.
Using a roto-tiller could greatly expedite the process as well as aerating the soil.
You may not need to cut any roots at all. If the roots do not look interwoven, then cutting the smaller root fibers is not necessary.
Be sure to support the root ball instead of the moving it around by the tree or its limbs. If the tree collar is lower than ground level when you place it in the hole, add some soil under the root bulb and re-situate the tree. [17] X Research source
Avoid adding any soil amendments like peat. They could potentially hinder root expansion. Fertilizer and other chemicals are not necessary when initially planting.
The dripline is the ring beneath the outer branches of the tree. To water the dripline, walk around in a circle. Water each spot in the circle for a few seconds before moving onto the next spot. If the tree changes colors, it may be receiving too much water. If the tree gets dried out and prickly, the water is likely insufficient. [20] X Research source
Overgrown weeds are the primary cause of death for young seedlings. Do not dig up roots deeper than 3 inches (7. 62cm). Landscape fabric with accompanying mulch can also be used to combat weed issues. [23] X Trustworthy Source Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach program dedicated to educating and engaging communities Go to source
If the tree is being attacked by a lot of bugs, it could be exposed to too much water, and dying from underneath. Use an insecticide like malathion to treat the tree. [25] X Research source
Trees have greatest growth in spring, so fertilize just before then. If the soil is sandy, some fertilizer can be applied earlier in spring, with a later application in late May. Fertilizer during hot conditions should be immediately followed by a thorough watering.
