Planting a tree? Here’s what you need to know

Sep 6, 2024, 3:00 PM

When looking for the right tree, the first step is checking if the tree is healthy before you even plant it. (Canva)

(Canva)

Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Planting a tree can be intimidating. Although fall is a great time to do it, it’s not just about planting it at the right time. It’s also about choosing the right one to plant.

Before you go tree shopping, research the tree you want and make sure that it will grow well in your location’s climate and soil.

KSL Greenhouse Host Taun Beddes said to only rely on local sources as they will give you the most accurate information on growing the tree in your climate.

Once you have done your research, you can head to the local garden centers.

When looking for the right tree, the first step is checking if the tree is healthy before you even plant it.

“You want to make sure that it has good structure, and it doesn’t have disease in it, and it doesn’t have a lot of damage, especially bark damage,” said Taun.

If it’s a smaller tree, check the roots by carefully pulling the tree out of the pot. The roots shouldn’t girdle around the trunk or spiral the pot.

Now that you have your tree, it’s time to plant it. The biggest mistake people make at this stage is planting it too deeply into the soil.

“It doesn’t get enough oxygen, and that—in the long term—can harm the tree. It also makes it more susceptible to overwatering,” Taun said.

A general rule to keep in mind is that the hole should be twice the width of the pot. For balled and burlapped trees, it’s twice the width of the root ball.

For example, if your tree is 18 inches wide, dig your hole 3 feet wide. This will give you enough room to work around the tree.

For the depth of the hole look for what is called a ‘root flare’ or where the roots start at the base of the trunk. The ‘root flare’ needs to be at ground level.

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