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Governor Mike Braun
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Tree Planting Instructions

diagram of hole with tree in bucket next to it

1. Keep seedlings in a bucket of water to keep roots moist while planting. On hot or windy days roots can dry out rapidly.

diagram of hand planting tree

2. Dig hole deeper and wider than root system, insert seedling and fill loosely with soil.

diagram of foot stomp on earth around tree

3. Gently firm around seedling to eliminate air pockets around roots. Do not stomp!

If trees cannot be planted the same day as received...

diagram of shallow trench

1. Dig a shallow trench, preferably in a shaded area.

diagram of seedlings in trench

2. Place seedlings in the trench and cover with soil. If heeled in for more than a week, water as needed.

diagram of dirt covered seedlings in trench

3. This will keep the roots moist until you are ready to permanently plant them.

Planting Depth

A properly planted seedling should have the root collar (zone between root and stem) even with ground level. Seedlings planted too deep, too shallow or J-rooted (tap root facing up) will not take full advantage of the seedling's capacity to produce roots and foliage. An improperly planted tree is much less likely to survive.

too shallow

Some roots are exposed above ground level.

too deep

Much of the stem is underground level.

j-root

Roots are forced into the hole, causing root ends to be facing up.

just right

Root collar is even with ground level; roots running down.
diagram showing tree planted too shallow diagram of tree planted too deep diagram showing roots forced into hole diagram showing tree planted correctly in depth