The late fall and winter are the optimal times for tree planting. Trees should be planted when they are dormant, usually after leaf fall and before bud burst (typically from December through mid-March).
Planting a tree can provide lasting benefits. Planting a small tree takes only a couple of hours, but the results should last a lifetime.
Here are some tips to those who take on the endeavor:
*Once you have decided where you want to locate the tree, dig a hole deep enough so the top of the root ball lies at the surface of the soil. Make the hole wide enough so there is room to shovel dirt around the ball.
*If the root ball is wrapped in burlap, place the ball in the hole and loosen the burlap without removing it. Natural burlap will decay and rot, but a synthetic wrap will not.
*If the root ball is wrapped in a synthetic material, then remove that wrap once the tree is placed in the planting hole.
*Next, refill the hole with the soil that you took out, making sure not to include any sod. Tamp the soil as you are refilling the hole to remove any air pockets.
*Place several inches of mulch around the tree to keep the soil moist. Do not stake the tree unless it is absolutely necessary to keep the tree upright.
The most common mistakes in planting trees are planting too deep and over- or under-watering.
Also says the need for water following planting cannot be overemphasized. Irrigate slowly so that water infiltrates and soaks the ground. Trees should be watered twice a week in absence of precipitation.
Watering may be necessary for several years, especially during droughty periods.
For further information about planting trees and selecting the right tree for your landscape, Try reading three publications offered by UT Extension:
Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place, SP 511; Transplanting Trees, SP 572; and Guidelines for Buying Trees, SP 662. These and other publications are available online at the UT Extension Web site: http://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/
Contact your local county UT Extension agent for more recommendations on planting trees in your area.

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