How to Plant Greenery

Planting greenery is not as simple as just digging a hole and placing a plant in it. You need to consider factors such as soil quality, climate, the right plant species for your area, and other considerations like zoning laws before planting. Taking time to think through these factors will help ensure your plants thrive, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.

Consider your goal carefully. Before you begin planting, think about what you ultimately want to achieve. Do you want to add a few plants to your property for aesthetic value or to increase your home's curb appeal? Or perhaps you simply wish to enjoy watching a plant grow, creating a wild environment that attracts birds to perch in its branches. Once you define your goal for planting, you will be able to make the most informed decisions, from choosing the right type of plant to selecting the best spot for it.

Consider the local climate. Before planting a tree, think about the weather in your area to ensure you choose a species that can thrive in your garden or yard. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map not only helps determine the local climate but also aids in selecting the best plant varieties for your location.

• The Arbor Day Foundation offers a climate zone system called the Plant Hardiness Zone. This system divides the United States and Canada into 11 zones based on a 10°F difference in annual minimum temperatures.
• For example, the U.S. ranges from Zone 2 to Zone 10.
• You can access the Plant Hardiness Zone Map at http://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=zone-lookup to check your zone.
• Once you know your zone, you'll be able to determine which plants will survive and thrive in the extreme temperatures of your region.
• Note that the Plant Hardiness Zone Map does not account for other factors like humidity, soil, wind, or other conditions that may affect plant survival.

Pay attention to the soil. It's also important to consider the topography of your land before planting. Factors such as slope, neighboring areas, drainage, and erosion can affect plant growth.

• For instance, if you live on a hill or slope, planting a tree might not be the best idea since the roots may struggle to anchor properly in the soil.
• If you're planting trees to prevent erosion, opt for species with large root systems to prevent them from being washed away during the rainy season or strong winds.
• Consider the other plants and vegetation around you to ensure the tree you plant fits with the landscape and has enough room to grow without disturbing other plants and trees.

Understand local laws about digging and planting trees. Most areas have zoning laws regarding tree planting and digging. It's crucial to research local regulations to make sure you're allowed to dig and plant a tree. Failing to comply could result in fines or restrictions on planting.

• Zoning laws also often cover digging near telephone poles, power lines, and cables. Make sure you are aware of where these utilities are before you start digging.
• You may want to check with local utility companies about digging around their poles and cables to ensure you're not causing damage or interfering with their services while planting your tree.
• In the U.S., you can call 811 before digging. They will provide free information about underground utilities to help prevent damage, injury, and fines.

Consult an expert. If you have any questions or are unsure about planting, talk to a local tree expert. Consulting with someone who understands your goals and the local conditions can help you choose the best species for your needs.

• You can visit a local nursery to find a tree expert or use the Arbor Day Foundation's search tool to find one. The search tool is available at http://www.arborday.org/trees/health/arborist.cfm.

Buy your tree. After considering the climate, soil, and zoning laws, you're ready to purchase your tree. Choose a species that is well-suited to your region, climate, and yard.

• Trees native to your area are more likely to thrive, and you should avoid choosing species that are invasive. Native trees are generally easier to care for.
• You can find the most suitable species for your location. For example, planting a palm tree in northern Canada might not be feasible. The Arbor Day Foundation can help you choose the right species by simply entering your zip code or Plant Hardiness Zone into their search tool at http://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=tree-nursery.
• As a rule, bare-root trees – those with roots exposed and not in a container – tend to grow better than those planted in pots.

Choose the right time of year to plant. Giving your tree the best chance to grow and survive starts with planting at the right time. The timing will vary depending on the species of tree and your region.

Typically, it's best to plant trees while they're dormant or when they're not flowering during the cooler or colder months. Again, this depends on your location.

• If you're unsure about the best time to plant in your area, seek advice from your local Cooperative Extension Service or a similar service. Many U.S. states and other countries, such as India and Kenya, offer these services.
• If you're in the U.S., you can find your local Cooperative Extension Service using the interactive map from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at http://nifa.usda.gov/partners-and-extension-map.

Prepare the tree for planting. After purchasing a tree, it's essential to properly prepare it before planting. This step ensures you've chosen the right tree that can thrive. The process varies depending on whether your tree is small or large.

• If it's a young tree, gently turn the tree upside down to remove it from the pot. If the tree is wrapped in burlap, plant it in the ground first and then cut the burlap afterward.
• If the tree has grown past the young stage, you can remove the burlap. Again, if it's wrapped in burlap, wait until after planting to cut it off.
• If the tree’s roots are tied with wire or placed in a wire basket, use pliers to cut the wire so it doesn't damage the roots.
• Try to keep as much soil around the roots as possible, and only move the tree when necessary to prevent the roots from drying out.
• Don't leave the roots exposed for too long, as this can harm or dry them out.
• If you're planting from seeds instead of a pre-grown tree, follow the steps for seed planting. Growing a tree from seed involves sowing the seed at the right time and providing careful attention, which can be more labor-intensive than planting a tree that's already grown.
• For seed germination, you may need to scarify the seed coat, meaning you'll break open the seed’s outer shell to allow moisture to penetrate and help the plant embryo sprout.
• Once the seeds germinate, you can transplant them into individual pots or seed trays. Place the trays or pots in a well-lit, cool area.
• Since each tree species has different seed requirements, be sure to follow the specific guidelines for the tree you're growing.

Understand that if you're planting fruit trees from seeds, you might not get the exact fruit you expect. For instance, if you plant a Golden Delicious apple seed, you may not end up with a Golden Delicious tree. You'll only know when the tree bears fruit.

• If you want a tree with reliable fruit production, it's best to buy a tree from a nursery, ensuring it has a healthy root system and will produce the exact fruit you want.

Decide the planting location and mark it. When you observe the plot of land and reflect on your goals, you can determine where to plant your tree. Mark this spot with a large, bright-colored circle.

• Ensure that you consider factors like power lines, the house’s location, the driveway, and the positions of other trees, so the roots won’t damage your property as they grow.
• Use a special type of paint to mark the spot. These spray paint cans have a nozzle, allowing you to spray even when the can is upside down.

Measure the root ball. Before digging the hole for the tree, you should measure the root ball. This helps determine how deep the hole should be.

• At this point, you can remove the burlap surrounding the roots near the tree’s base, which is the part of the root connected to the trunk.
• Using a garden hoe or shovel, gently remove the top layer of soil from the root system.
• Only remove enough soil to reveal the root ball.
• Measure the height and width of the root ball, from the ground to the base of the tree, and from one side to the other.

Dig the hole for planting the tree. Use a shovel to dig the hole. Ensure that it’s wide enough to accommodate the tree and provide ample space for growth and root expansion.

• The hole should be 2-3 times as wide and as deep as the height of the root ball. This will give the tree enough space to adjust and allow the new roots to grow without being restricted.
• Try to dig a small "platform" in the center of the hole to place the tree. The edges of the hole should be deeper, but the platform in the center helps prevent the root ball from being continuously exposed to water. Excess water will drain to the lower areas, and the roots can absorb it when necessary.
• Check to make sure the hole is the right size and depth. If needed, dig a bit more to achieve the desired dimensions.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of superphosphate fertilizer in the bottom of the hole to encourage healthy root growth.

Place the tree gently into the hole. Now that you’ve carefully dug the hole, it’s time to place the tree in its new home. If the hole isn’t quite right, lift the tree out and adjust the size of the hole.

• Ensure the hole isn’t too deep or shallow. The tree’s base should align with the ground’s surface once the hole is filled.
• Do not bury the transition from the trunk to the roots, and make sure no part of the tree’s roots is exposed.
• You can use the shovel handle to check if the base of the tree is level with the hole’s opening before filling it.

When planting a tree, it's important to position it carefully. Ensure the tree's most attractive side faces the direction you prefer. This will allow you to admire the tree from its best angle, and it will also be showcased beautifully.

• Remove any root ball wrapping at this stage.
• Ensure that the tree is planted as upright as possible, as this will influence its future growth.
• Consider using a tool to check the tree's vertical alignment. You can also ask friends or family to observe and ensure the tree is positioned straight.
• If necessary, insert a stake to help support the tree as it grows upright.

Fill the hole with soil. Combine fertilizer with the soil you dug out to fill the hole, ensuring that the roots have enough soil to grow, while also leaving enough space for root development.

• Fill the hole 3/4 full with the existing soil and use the remaining 1/4 to add composted manure or fertilizer, if needed.
• Ensure there are no air pockets around the tree roots as you fill the hole. To eliminate air pockets, lightly tamp down the soil with your hands or a spade as you go. Repeat this with each layer until the hole is completely filled.
• Be gentle when tamping down the soil and avoid using your feet, as this can damage the roots.
• If necessary, add composted manure or fertilizer. If the soil is poor, clay-heavy, or contains dust and sand, adding compost or fertilizer will provide a great start for the tree.
• If the compost or manure has an odor, it likely hasn't been properly composted, and should not be used, as it may "burn" the tree.
• Resist the temptation to use commercial fertilizers. These can cause the tree to grow too quickly, potentially "burning" or stunting its development.
• Pay particular attention to fruit-bearing trees or seed-producing plants. Adding compost or fertilizer is essential if you're planting fruit trees or trees that produce seeds.

Support the tree with a stake if necessary. If you're planting a young tree, use a stake to help it grow during its first year. The stake will prevent the tree from being blown over by wind and aid in root development.

• Make sure to loosely tie the stake to the tree. Avoid tightening the rope around the bark or wrapping it tightly around the trunk.
• Remove the stake once the roots have been established, usually after about a year.
• Larger trees may require two or three stakes for additional support.

Watering newly planted trees is essential. Once planted, ensure the tree receives regular watering to help the roots establish themselves in the surrounding soil.

• Water the tree daily for a few weeks until the roots begin to take hold. Afterward, you can reduce the frequency of watering.
• Consider the climate in your area, including humidity, rainfall, and sunlight, to determine the best watering schedule.
• If you’re planting fruit trees or seed-bearing plants, continue watering them weekly throughout their growing season, as their growth depends on consistent moisture. You should also fertilize fruit-bearing trees monthly, or according to the instructions on the fertilizer packaging.

Consider applying mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

• Cover the planting hole with 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm of wood chips or leaf mulch. Keep the mulch at least 30 cm away from the tree trunk, as direct contact may cause the trunk to rot.
• Mulch around the tree will protect it from being trampled on or damaged by lawn mowers, two major hazards that can harm young trees.

Prune the tree when necessary. If branches are broken, dead, or affected by disease, gently cut them away using pruning shears or a garden knife. If the tree appears healthy, there's no need to prune until after its first growing season.

Enjoy the tree as it grows year after year. Appreciate the shade and beauty it brings, and thank yourself for adding another tree to the world. You won’t regret it, and as long as you care for it properly, the tree will thrive for many years to come.

• Make sure to continue watering the tree and keeping it healthy. Strive for a balance when watering, providing enough water for the roots to absorb, but not so much that the tree becomes waterlogged.
• A steady stream of water from a garden hose for around 30 seconds is usually sufficient. The soil should remain moist, and the mulch will help retain that moisture.
• Check the soil moisture by digging 5 cm below the surface and using your finger to test if the soil is damp. If it is, no additional watering is needed.

• When planting a tree that's in a pot, gently remove the roots from the container and place the tree in the hole. If the roots are too large, trim them. The roots will grow back. It's crucial to ensure the roots make direct contact with the soil.
• Consider the tree's mature height and spread. A small oak tree planted near your home now could pose a risk during storms in 30 years. You may either plant it further away from the house or choose a smaller tree species instead.
• Make sure the tree will be several meters away from power lines, cables, and pipes when it matures.