Now is a great time to install trees and shrubs in your landscape! Whenever you’re planting any type of plant, proper depth is key. In the photo, you see a tree I recently bought and planted. The tree came freshly dug as a ball and burlap specimen from a premium nursery.
Being a good county agent, I did my homework to find the best quality stock, but even then, I followed up at home to ensure proper planting. The nursery advised me to plant the tree, cage and all, including the burlap. I decided to do some detective work when I got home and found that the uppermost lateral roots were a good 3-4” below the burlap. Had I planted these trees, they would’ve struggled to survive, and most likely died in 5-7 years when their energy reserves were exhausted.
When preparing the hole I did my best to get it as wide as possible while making sure not to dig too deep. I don’t want the tree to settle in too deep, or I’ll have issues for the life of the tree.
My next step was to dig down to find the lateral roots to ensure they’re even or just above the soil surface. From there I removed the burlap as much as I could and clipped off much of the cage. The cage was needed in this case due to the sheer size of the tree. It shouldn’t harm the tree in any way as the roots grow.
I decided I needed a few light guy wires, which I utilized burlap for, hoping that if I forgot them they’d quickly rot through. I then watered and mulched the plants, and am looking forward to some spring growth.
Once I’m sure the trees are settled and actively growing I’ll look to fertilize, but until then, I’ll be patient and allow my root systems to develop.
For more information go to https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-trees-correctly/.
