How to Plant Trees, Bushes & Hedges

Planting a Single Tree or Bush

• 1

  Research the cultural requirements of the tree or shrub you are planting. Plant the right plant in the right place. The location for the tree, bush or hedge should provide correct sunlight per the plant's requirements. Don't place a sensitive specimen on a ridge which often gets gusty or damaging winds. The nursery or tree farm where the plant is purchased should advise of the right location for the plant.

• 2

  Dig the hole for the planting. The planting hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball of the plant, but only as deep as the plant was previously grown. Plant materials should be planted high in a properly prepared bed, but deep enough to accommodate growing roots. A soil test can advise if the soil needs amendments to accommodate the tree, bush or hedge you are planting.

• 3

  Save the soil from the recently dug hole. This is called backfill and should be returned to the planting hole or bed after placing the plant material. Adding organic material to the hole is not recommended, as roots need a deeply consistent soil in which to become established.

• 4

  Place the plant into the hole, carefully. New plants should be handled by the root ball, never by the trunk or top of the plant. Small, young plants have a better chance of survival than large specimens moved from another location. The crown of the plant should be at soil level, set on solid soil.

• 5

  Fill the hole with the saved backfill, working in completely around roots, so there are no air pockets to hold water later on, as this can create root rot and suffocate the newly planted tree, bush or hedge.

Planting a Hedge or Border

• 6

  If more than one tree, bush or a hedge will go in the ground, dig and prepare the entire area in advance.

• 7

  Proper spacing is required for a hedge or border of trees or bushes. Learn the mature width of specimens you are planting and allow that much room for growth between the plantings. If you desire a more immediate full hedge, place the plant material closer together. When planting a border of large trees, leave adequate room for them to mature. Remember that tree roots will extend well beyond the drip line in maturity.

• 8

  Water the planting, not at the trunk but around the edges of the canopy, or where the canopy will be. This is called the drip line. A small dam made of the backfill and a few inches high, may be constructed to help direct the water.