Planting & Transplanting
Tree planting depth, B&B technique, staking, transplant shock, girdling roots, and perennial planting.
- Demonstrate proper tree planting depth and balled-and-burlapped technique
- Explain correct staking methods and removal timing
- Identify girdling roots and transplant shock prevention
- Apply mulching best practices for newly planted perennials and trees
Lesson 1
Tree Planting Depth & B&B Technique
Proper Planting Depth
The single most important factor in tree planting success is planting depth. The root flare (the point where the trunk widens at the base) must be visible at or slightly above the finished soil grade. Planting too deep buries the root flare, which causes bark decay, girdling roots, and eventual tree death. A tree planted too deep is the leading cause of planting failure.
Dig the planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball height. The bottom of the hole should be firm, undisturbed soil to prevent settling. Place the tree on undisturbed soil so the root flare sits at grade level.
Never Plant Too Deep
The root flare must be visible at or slightly above grade. Burying the root flare is the number one planting mistake and leads to slow decline and death.
Balled-and-Burlapped (B&B) Technique
Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees are dug from the nursery with a ball of soil around the roots, wrapped in burlap and often secured with a wire basket. The proper planting technique is to remove burlap from the top third and cut away the wire basket after the tree is positioned in the hole.
The complete procedure:
- Set the tree in the hole, checking that the root flare is at grade
- Cut and fold back the burlap from the top third of the root ball
- Cut away the top portion of any wire basket
- Remove all twine from around the trunk
- Backfill with the original excavated soil - do NOT amend the backfill
- Water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets
When planting a B&B tree, remove burlap from the top third and cut away the wire basket. The root flare must be at or slightly above grade. Backfill with native soil, not amended soil.