Tree Planting Recommendations

The following are generic recommendations for proper tree planting. Different conditions may require modifications to these recommendations. Consider asking an ISA Certified Arborist for specific recommendations.

1. Plant (2 in.) caliper trees or larger. Trees of this size are less likely to be vandalized and provide a reasonable amount of improvement, shade, screening, and beautification. Smaller trees usually do not have a well-developed central leader and crown that is high enough to begin the necessary pruning for pedestrian and vehicular clearance.
2. All trees shall conform to most recent ANSI 260.1 American Standard for Nursery Stock. First limbs shall be (5 ft.) above ground or higher.
3. Excavate hole to height of rootball and (3) times width of rootball. In heavily compacted ground, loosen all soil 5’ from the planting pit, 18” deep. In poor soils amend entire rootway to 24” deep. Guarantee positive drainage from pit. Slightly mound in heavy clay soils. Tamp bottom of pit under rootball thoroughly to keep tree from settling. Set tree a minimum 4’ from sidewalk or center between curb and side. If no drainage is possible in the pit, install circle of perforated pipe in bottom of planting pit and connect to storm drain.
4. Place root barrier flush against curb and/or sidewalk a minimum 6 feet in both directions if tree list, specifications or arborist calls for it. Tree species, width of planting area, and type of soils are all important factors to consider in requiring root barriers.
5. Do not damage balled and burlap rootballs when planting. Remove all wire, string, and burlap from top and sides of ball only after placing in hole. Cut and spread roots to eliminate root circling for container stock. Completely remove all fabric from growbag trees.
6. Set tree straight and rootball on solid ground. Top of rootball must remain at or slightly above finished grad.
7. Backfill hole half full with native soil and no amendments. Tamp soil to stabilize rootball. Finish backfilling and tamp again.
8. Form water dam with soil around planting site to hold water for deeper soaking at least 2’ from trunk. Watering must penetrate and saturate the rootball to maintain tree and initiate new root growth.
9. Place Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 slow release fertilizer or similar at manufacturers recommended rate evenly over the soil of the planting site. A slow release fertilizer provides nutrients over a longer period of tim. Cover minimum 2’ radius area with (3 in.) composted medium/coarse bark mulch. Pull mulch (3 in.) away from trunk. Mulch helps retain rootball moisture and allows better infiltration during the next waterings. Maintain mulch indefinitely and do not allow grass to invade.
10. Water immediately and thoroughly, twice per week during the first month, then once per week through the remainder of the dry season. Water a minimum of once per month during the second summer season. After proper tree selecting and installation, there is no more critical act than watering your tree. Continue to water as most rainfall is insignificant for new tree plantings.
11. Stake trees outside rootball and parallel to street. Use (2’ x 6’) treated lodgepole pine tree stakes. Use (1 in.) heavy chainlock tree ties or similar and fix to past with wood screw. Remove after (1) year.
    Remove the tree ties after one year. If the tree is not well anchored by that time then conditions are not appropriate for good tree growth.