Planting Trees: What to Pay Attention To

From late October to early November, the lifting and planting season begins. This period starts when trees have dropped their leaves in autumn and lasts until the buds start to swell again in spring. Successfully planting trees requires more than just digging a hole and placing the tree in it. It requires knowledge, precision, and attention to detail. In this blog, we share essential information on tree planting, with a focus on the correct planting depth and properly filling the planting hole—crucial steps to ensure successful establishment and regrowth.

Finding the Right Planting Depth

The first step is, of course, digging a spacious planting hole. The hole should be at least one and a half times the diameter of the root ball. The size of the root ball depends on the trunk circumference and crown volume. You can find average dimensions in the root ball information table. Once this is done, the tree can be planted. A common mistake is placing the tree incorrectly in the planting hole. The trunk should be wrapped in burlap, after which the tree can be lifted using a sling around the root ball and trunk or with a root ball hook. This is where the art of planting begins.

Place the tree in the planting hole so that the top of the root ball is about 5 to 10 centimeters above ground level. Keep in mind that the soil in the planting hole will settle over time, especially with heavy trees. By planting at this height, you prevent the tree from ending up too deep. Planting too deep can cause oxygen deficiency in the root zone, leading to root rot and dieback. Just like us, trees need enough oxygen to thrive.

On the other hand, planting a tree too high is also undesirable. The roots may eventually protrude above ground level, leaving them unprotected against extreme weather conditions and prone to drying out. Adding extra soil around the roots in the form of a mound won’t help, as water will simply run off. It is therefore crucial to find the right level—somewhere between too high and too low.

Filling the Planting Hole Step by Step

Properly filling the planting hole requires specific skills and expertise. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Ensure enough air (oxygen) in the soil.
   Especially on compacted or organic-rich soils, it is essential to provide oxygen to the roots. The tree simply needs breathing space for healthy growth.

2. Mix the soil if necessary with organic soil improver or well-decomposed compost.

3. Fill the planting hole partially.
   Fill the planting hole about one-third full and press down the soil. Make sure no organic material, such as sod, ends up in the planting hole, as this depletes oxygen around the roots.

4. Fill the planting hole up to three-quarters.
   Now fill the planting hole to about three-quarters and loosen the wire around the top of the root ball. If the wire is too tight against the trunk, it can later girdle the tree and hinder growth. Never remove this wire before placing the tree in the hole, as the root ball could fall apart. Leave the rest of the wire basket around the root ball.

5. Completely fill the planting hole and press down the soil again.
   Finally, water thoroughly and apply a mulch layer around the base of the tree.

By planting trees with the right precision and care, you create the foundation for a healthy, well-growing tree. It may take some practice, but the results are well worth the effort.