By Canopy Tree Care · 3 min read
A lot of young trees that struggle in Madison yards were planted too deep. The trunk stays wet, the roots can't get the oxygen they need, and the tree may start showing problems years later.
The good news? Planting a tree correctly isn't complicated. A little extra care when you first put it in the ground can help it get off to a much healthier start.
Find the Root Flare
Before you start digging, take a good look at the base of the tree. When planting trees in Madison, WI, finding the root flare is one of the most important parts of tree planting.
The root flare is where the trunk starts to widen and the first major roots spread out. That part of the tree should sit right at, or just slightly above, the soil line.
If the trunk goes straight into the ground without any visible flare, the tree may be planted too deeply. Before adding soil around the tree, gently clear away any extra soil or mulch that's piled against the trunk.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
When planting a tree, it's tempting to dig a deep hole. But a wider hole is usually much more helpful than a deeper one.
A good rule of thumb is to make the hole about two to three times wider than the tree's root ball, while keeping the depth no deeper than the root ball itself.
When you're ready to plant:
- Make the hole wide enough for the roots to spread naturally.
- Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the soil you removed from the hole.
- Water the tree thoroughly so the soil settles around the roots.
You don't need to fill the hole with a lot of compost or special soil. The roots need to grow outward into the soil around them, so giving them room to spread is more important.
Mulch, Water, and Skip the Volcano
Mulch can help a newly planted tree hold moisture and protect its roots, but there's a right and wrong way to use it.
Spread mulch in a wide, shallow ring around the tree, rather than piling it against the trunk. Those familiar "mulch volcanoes" can trap moisture against the bark and cause problems over time.
Water the tree deeply, especially during its first couple of growing seasons. Don't just give it a quick splash every day. The goal is to get moisture down into the soil where the roots can use it.
And don't forget about the tree's location. Choose a species that fits the space, soil, sunlight, and conditions on your property. A tree that's a good fit for its surroundings will have a much better chance of thriving.
Planting a Tree in Madison? Start With the Right Tree
The best tree for your property isn't always the one that looks best at the garden center.
Think about how much space you have, how much sunlight the area receives, the type of soil on your property, and how large the tree will eventually become. Planting the right tree in the right place can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
If you're not sure what will work well in your yard, we're happy to take a look and point you in the right direction.
Planting a Tree? Let's Get It Right.
The right tree in the right place can become part of your property for decades. If you're planning to plant a tree or aren't sure what will work best in your yard, we're here to help.