Planting Trees: Simple Best Practices/ Pro Tips
Digging the hole
The hole should be deep enough to where the root flare (where the trunk widens into the root system) is on par with or slightly above ground level. If the hole is wider than the container that is fine and will facilitate root growth by providing loose and aerated soil.
Container size:
30 gallons: 24” wide / 18” deep
15 gallons: 18” wide / 11”deep
3 gallons: 11” wide / 9” deep
Removing tree from container
Our trees come in containers, and the importance of removing the soil/root system FULLY INTACT cannot be stressed enough. If the tree will not readily slide out of the container, we recommend cutting the container off, preferably with loppers or a really sharp instrument. This requires patience and gentleness. It is our experience that if
Our trees come in containers, and the importance of removing the soil/root system FULLY INTACT cannot be stressed enough. If the tree will not readily slide out of the container, we recommend cutting the container off, preferably with loppers or a really sharp instrument. This requires patience and gentleness. It is our experience that if you get frustrated and lose the elements surrounding the main root system, the tree will very likely not perform well and it will let you know within the very first weeks of planting it.
Watering
Watering
We suggest making a so-called “irrigation ring” with the displaced dirt from the hole where the tree was placed. This is Texas, and in most places at least from June to October, it is not easy to overwater a tree. Here common sense comes into play: if a tree is planted and is doing well with the frequency and amount it is being watered, b
We suggest making a so-called “irrigation ring” with the displaced dirt from the hole where the tree was placed. This is Texas, and in most places at least from June to October, it is not easy to overwater a tree. Here common sense comes into play: if a tree is planted and is doing well with the frequency and amount it is being watered, but then the temperature increases from a cloudy 80 degrees to a sunny 95, the tree might require more water than previously. The quantity of water being given should reach at least the depth of the underground portion of the tree, which for a 30 gallon container is a full 18 inches below surface! Pro tip: at least in the summer, water preferably in the evening.