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NIPSCO Forestry
Selecting and Planting Your Tree
Trees come in many varieties: tall, short, narrow and wide. Some require full sunlight while others require partial shade. Careful selection requires looking for a tree with a strong main trunk that is well suited to the climate and soil conditions. Before you begin digging, locate any underground wiring. Contact the Indiana Underground Plant Protection service at 1-800-382-5544 before you dig. Follow these steps when planting:
Dig the hole to the same depth as the root ball of your tree. Make the hole twice as large as the root ball of your tree so the roots can push through the soil as they develop. Remove any excess soil from the top of the root ball so that the first large roots are covered only be a thin layer of soil.
If your tree came in a container, remove it and gently spread the roots that may be curled. If your tree is in burlap or a wire basket, it is best to cut away the upper portion of burlap and wire, but doing so is not essential. Do, however, remove or cut any rope, twine or wire that is around the trunk of the tree.
Place the tree in the hole by lifting the tree by its root ball, not its trunk. This avoids damage to tender feeder roots. The top of the soil ball should be even with or slightly higher than surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole with the original dirt, occasionally watering the help settle the soil.
Break up any large masses of dirt and remove any clumps of sod. You may mix slow-release fertilizer granules with the soil.
Spread 3-4 inches of organic mulch around the base of the tree. This allows the soil to retain moisture and protects the trunk from lawn mower and weed-eater damage.
Water the tree thoroughly at least once each week, but avoid overwatering. Slow, soaking watering ensures good saturation without depriving the roots of air for extended periods.
Staking the tree is not necessary unless the tree is very large or planted on an exposed, windy site. If stakes are used, remove them one year after planting.
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