What is the proper way to plant a 15 gal. tree?

Question

My husband just bought me a 15 gal crepe myrtle tree. I want to be sure to plant it successfully. I have planted many flowers but never a tree. Are there any sure fire ways to make sure this tree lives?

Answer 1

Dig your hole about 2 to 3 times the width of the container, and at least twice as deep.

Save the soil off to the side.

Add sand and/or a small amount of pebbles o the base of the hole.

With the soil you just removed, mix it with some good compost (Planting mix). Start adding soil to the bottom of the hole.

Remove the tree from the container and measure from the base of the root mass to the top of the soil. Keep adding soil to the hole to get the tree to sit appoximately 1 to 2" above ground level. (The soil you are adding will compact and the tree will settle.) We want to make sure you are not planting the tree below ground level, or there may be a possibility you will choke the tree.

Once the tree is centered start back filling the hole. Keep tapping the soil to insure it completely fills the space, but don't over compact. Then around the planting ring (The hole you created) add a little extra soil, about 1" above ground level. This does 2 things for you. It allows for some extra soil to compact and helps retain water as you add water to the base of the tree.

Also to add a little extra insurance, you can add some Mychorrizal products like Tree Saver from Plant Health Care. You would mix this into the soil before backfilling.

Also, if there is chance for heavy winds, it might be wise to secure the tree with a tree staking kit.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

make hole 3 inches wider and 2 inches deeper then pot-plant tree back fill with same dirt-water well to get rid of air pockets--tree being that tall best to stake it to give support-use old garden hose or rubber straps(cut to go around tree trunk to stop tie line from digging in) and stake off at 3 points