Planting

Trees purchased from a nursery generally come planted in a pot or with the roots wrapped in burlap. Be sure to loosen up the roots of the tree before planting, this can be done by hand or done gently with a shovel, loosening up the roots will ensure the tree roots will take hold in the ground and grow outward. If the root ball was wrapped in burlap it is best to remove all the burlap before planting.

Plating Height

Trees need to be planted at the correct height in order to grow into a strong and healthy tree. Trees should be planted so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. If soil is piled up around the stem then it is planted too low. If the top of the root ball is sticking up out of the ground it is planted too high.

Support

Newly planted trees sometimes require support to help them stay straight and prevent them from falling over. Trees can be supported with wooden stakes and strapping. Once the trees roots grow further and the tree is firmly anchored in the ground the supports can be removed.

Deer Protection

Deer protection or animal protection is most often a circle of 5 foot tall wire mesh around the tree. Drive 2-3 metal or wooden stakes into the ground around the tree and wrap the wire mesh around these stakes.

Pruning

Pruning while young is the easiest way to set up your tree for success, pruning young trees allows for the branch structure and shape of the tree to be decided at an early age.