C. Tree Planting Tools

You probably have most of the tree planting tools you need in your garage or shed. Before we get into tools you may need, we suggest you protect yourself first.

Have a good pair of high dexterity gloves to handle your tree planting tools. Steel toe boots for digging, safety glasses, long pants, and knee pads are also helpful.

Here are the rest of tools you will need for digging and planting.

You will also note that we have a transplanting shovel in this list. These are special shovels with extra long blades that are handy at digging a deeper root ball. This is important when transplanting a tree. Ensuring you have as much root ball as possible will lead to more success for any transplant.

• Knife - Used for breaking up root balls when pulled from containers. Also for cutting down the side of containers when the stock doesn't come out easily.
• Pick-axe - These are handy for digging in difficult soil conditions.
• Pruning shears - To remove only dead or damaged roots or branches at time of planting. Also for balancing the upper growth to the root system when part of the root system is severed. (Shrubs more than trees.)
• Rakes - A good bow rake, garden, or leaf rake for clean-up.
• Rubber boots - Pressing in wet soil can be muddy.
• Shovels - Square nosed and a digging spade.
• Spading fork - These 4-tined goodies are great for digging in difficult soil and breaking up clay.
• Stakes and string - Used to keep hedge and tree lines straight when planting.
• Strong scissors - For cutting through burlap.
• Tape measure - Used for accurately measuring and marking distances between plants for balance. Also used for checking digging depth.
• Tarp -A tarp keeps your yard clean. It also saves the soil from the containers to be used in the hole.
• Transplanting shovel - They have longer blades. If you are transplanting larger trees, these come in handy.
• Tree stakes, string, or rope - Also some cloth straps or something none abrasive to prevent damaging the bark. Rubber hose is also suitable.
• Two-wheel dolly cart - These are also very handy for moving stock.
• Water - Have a garden hose available if you can.
• Wheelbarrow - Handy for moving mulch, soil, and heavier root balls.
• Wire clippers - For cutting through heavy wire or steel root ball cages.

Have enough organic mulch on hand to have a two to three inch thick layer around the tree and about a foot or two wide for each tree. Mulch will help moderate the soil temperature, retain moisture, and deter weeds.

Although it is not recommended to use any fertilizers at planting time, some people still do. Ask your local nursery when you are purchasing the stock, as to their recommendations. Some varieties may be exceptions to this rule. If you do, soluble fertilizers are recommended.

Grab your tools...it's time to start digging!

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Table of Contents: Transplanting Trees

Introduction: Transplanting Trees

A. Tree Planting

B. Planning Tree Planting

C. Tree Planting Tools

D. Digging and Planting Trees

E. Caring for Newly Planted Trees

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