Tree Planting Made Easy for Homeowners
Trees increase property values, boost curb appeal, and help produce oxygen. They can also reduce energy bills by providing shade to your property.
So, how do you go about planting a tree on your property?
Do you need to enlist the help of a tree service in Kansas City?
Although tree planting isn’t too physically demanding, there are certain best practices that must be followed to ensure the process goes smoothly and the new tree takes root and thrives. After breaking down how to plant a tree, we’ll provide instructions on how to secure tree planting services for those who wish to hire a professional.
Step #1 – Select a Tree that Can Grow in Your Region
First thing’s first, you must select a species of tree that will thrive in your particular climate. Certain trees – palm trees, for example – cannot sustain in areas of the country with cold weather. The best way to select a species for tree planting is to visit your local tree nursery or to contact a tree service in Kansas City. Both options will give you access to a selection of young trees for you to choose from.
Step #2 – Be Mindful of Timing
Most trees should be planted in early spring or fall for ideal soil and weather conditions. Balled and burlapped trees and container trees are ideal for fall tree planting. Bare root trees are best planted in the early spring.
Step #3 – Pick the Right Spot
Tree planting means being mindful of the area the tree will eventually impact, including the ground and anything the canopy may come into contact with. When picking your planting spot, be sure to:
- Check the local zoning laws before you plant. This will help you avoid potential fines for illegal tree planting.
- Call 811 before you dig. Someone from the city will come to your home and mark the areas with underground utility lines.
- Pick a flat, open area that’s a safe distance away from underground utility lines, powerlines, and your property. The spot should also get direct sunlight at least six hours per day.
- Consider your home’s foundation. Plant your tree far enough away that its growing roots won’t create a problem in the future.
Step #4 – Tree Planting
Water the area you intend to plant your tree to moisten the soil, which makes it easier to dig. Using a shovel, dig a hole that is about three times the diameter of the root ball and deep enough that the roots are adequately submerged.
You will be returning most of the soil you dig up to the hole, so be sure to place all shoveled soil in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp. This makes it much easier to return.
Insert the tree into the hole so that its root ball is on solid soil. Next, fill the planting hole with the original soil using a light tamping method. Avoid tamping too hard as it restricts oxygen from reaching the roots.
Step #5 – Mulching
Mulch not only improves the quality of the soil, but it also serves as a layer of protective insulation. After planting a tree, adding a layer of organic mulch will help promote its growth. Be sure to use arborist approved methods when mulching and never “volcano mulch.”
Some homeowners make the mistake of piling up a bunch of mulch at the tree’s base, which can hinder the tree’s growth. Leave at least two to four inches of space between the tree’s base and the circle of mulch. You can find the best mulch for your tree by researching which mulch products are best for your particular species of tree.
Step #6 – Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After the tree planting portion of the process is done, the next couple years require homeowners to keep up with some basic maintenance tasks. This means keeping the soil consistently watered so that the tree’s root system gets established.
The exact watering schedule depends on a few factors:
- Species of tree
- Soil condition
- Location and climate
- Season
Be sure to check with an arborist or one of the local tree planting services in your area for specific instructions on care and maintenance.
How to Find a Tree Service in Kansas City
Now that you have the specific steps on how to plant a tree, you can begin your search to find a tree species that is appropriate for your location and climate. You also have the option to enlist the services of a professional tree care company. Searching the phrase “tree planting services near me” should bring back numerous results.
Hiring a professional tree planting service ensures that your new tree is planted using arborist-approved methods and is more likely to thrive. Be sure to call ahead to get a quote on how much tree planting and care will cost.
