A. Tree Planting

Tree planting starts with understanding your needs. Before you make most major purchases, you usually have an idea of the features you would like to have in that product. Trees should be no different.

Trees are expensive, permanent, and usually large, so make sure you make the right decision.

You may want to make notes before you visit a tree nursery.

This is part of the planning process before you put a shovel in the ground.

Selecting trees can be done after considering the following questions.

How big will it be? (Think about the stock when it is fully developed.)
Will it grow over your neighbour's driveway, fence, or house?
Will it cause grief in your yard?
Will it grow into eaves?
Will it block views from windows?
Will the root system lift up walkways or driveways?
Do you have overhead power lines that it may grow into?
Will the stock stand up to the wind/sun exposure?
Will there be sufficient water/nutrients?
Will the soil support what you are planting?
Are the leaves going to fall in a pool or be an annoyance?
Is the climate/zone suitable for that plant/tree?
What sort of animals/birds will it attract?
Does it have an invasive root system?

Transplanting Considerations

If you are transplanting stock then you must consider some other things before you begin.

Is it a suitable host for transplanting? (Some stock is more tolerant than others.)
When is the best time to transplant?
Try to stick to younger stock. (They have more success than older stock.)
Transplanted shrubs do best, then deciduous trees, (evergreens are challenging.)
What equipment may be required?
What are the soil, wind, water, sun, nutrient conditions of the new location?
Are you going to be able to provide care if it needs it?

Transplant trees that you can handle yourself or with a helper. Larger trees require as much of the root system as you can take to lessen transplanting shock. This means a heavier root ball.

Don't bite off more than you can chew, or hack away the root system. Your chance of success will diminish greatly.

Other things to consider before you begin.

Underground gas lines, power lines, cable, water, sewer, septic systems, buried drain tile can all cause you grief. These things may cause you to alter your landscape plans. ALWAYS call before you dig. Most regions have a 1-800 number. They will come out and mark the utilities with flags and/or landscape marking paint for you at no charge. This may save your life.

If you live in a northern climate remember that trees and shrubs planted down the edge of a driveway are more likely to experience damaging effects of piled snow, ice and salt. The roots of larger trees may lift pavement or walkways.

Make sure you are not going on vacation for a few weeks either. Newly planted stock will require some special attention until they are established.

Talk to your neighbors if your plans may affect them, or even benefit them. Sometimes you can work together along property lines splitting on costs for privacy trees or shrubs.

These are just a few things to consider before you learn how to transplant a tree or shrub. The next section will also touch on a little more planning information.

The idea is to have you thinking like a landscaper. This is what will save you time and grief down the road avoiding mistakes that many people learn the hard way.

Now that you've considered your tree planting needs, let's move onto Planning Tree Planting.

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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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