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Proper Tree Planting & Maintenance

Plant It Right. Maintain It Right.

Proper planting and early care can make the difference between a tree that struggles and one that becomes a healthy, long-lived part of the Rolesville landscape.

Use the below quick guide when planting a new tree.

Before You Plant - Choose the right Tree

Consider:

  • Mature height and canopy width
  • Available planting space
  • Sunlight
  • Soil type and drainage
  • Water requirements
  • Overhead and underground utilities
  • Buildings, sidewalks, and roads
  • Native or invasive status
     

Use the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to find plants appropriate for your site.

Seven Steps for Proper Tree Planting

Pick a Healthy Tree

Look for: 

  • Healthy leaves and branches
  • No obvious disease or insect damage
  • A strong trunk and branch structure
  • No severely circling or girdling roots
  • A visible trunk flare
Pick the Right Location

Before digging, consider: 

  • Overhead power lines
  • Buildings and structures
  • Sidewalks and driveways
  • Roads and sight lines
  • Underground utilities
Dig Wide, Not DeepThe planting hole should generally be no deeper than the root ball and two to three times wider than the root ball.
A wide hole encourages roots to grow outward.
Plant at the Correct DepthKeep the trunk flare visible. The top of the root ball should be at or slightly above the surrounding soil. Never bury the trunk flare.
Water Thoroughly

Immediately after planting:

  • Water the entire root ball thoroughly.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist while the tree establishes.
  • Pay special attention during hot and dry weather.
  • Avoid keeping the soil constantly saturated.
Mulch ProperlyUse approximately two to three inches of mulch. Keep mulch away from the trunk and leave the trunk flare visible.
Stake Only When Necessary

Most trees do not need staking.

If staking is necessary:

  • Allow the trunk to move naturally.
  • Do not tightly bind the tree.
  • Remove stakes and ties once the tree is established, generally within one year.
  • Maintaining Your Tree
  • Water

Tips for Soil Maintenance

New trees need regular watering while their roots become established. Check soil moisture regularly, particularly during hot weather, drought, and extended periods without rain. Water deeply rather than providing frequent, shallow watering.

Pruning a tree

Pruning a tree by selectively removing branches or parts of branches, can be a beneficial process to improve a tree's health, structure, and growth.

Prune to:

  • Remove dead or damaged branches
  • Correct structural problems
  • Maintain clearance from buildings, streets, and sidewalks

Avoid removing large amounts of the canopy at once, improper pruning cuts, cutting major roots, or topping trees

For large or mature trees, consider hiring a qualified arborist.

Maintain Mulch

Check mulch regularly and maintain approximately two to three inches. Keep mulch away from the trunk. Do not allow mulch to bury the trunk flare. Make sure to periodically refresh mulch as needed and protect the Root Zone.

Avoid:

  • Driving or parking on tree roots
  • Soil compaction
  • Cutting major roots
  • Storing heavy materials under trees
  • Changing the soil grade around established trees
  • Paving over large portions of the root zone

  • Quick Tree-Planting Checklist

     

Remember: Right Tree + Right Place + Proper Planting + Proper Care

Before you walk away from a newly planted tree, make sure:

  • Right tree for the location
  • Utilities checked
  • Hole is wide, not deep
  • Root flare is visible
  • Tree is planted at the correct depth
  • Root ball is thoroughly watered
  • Two to three inches of mulch applied
  • Mulch is kept away from the trunk
  • Tree is staked only if necessary
  • Future mature size has been considered

Plant today for the Rolesville of tomorrow!