# Tree Transplant Care
-
Planting
-
Start with a wide, shallow planting hole, at least two to three times as wide as the root ball and, in cases of compacted soil, up to five times as wide as the root ball. A wide hole encourages the roots to spread quickly. In poorly draining soils, planting the tree on a mound so that one-third of the root ball is above the original grade keeps the roots out of wet soils and improves its chances of survival.
Fertilizer and Soil Amendments
-
Avoid amending the soil when planting, unless specifically recommended in the planting instructions. Soil amendments inhibit water movement in the soil and discourage the roots from moving into unamended areas. Wait until the second year to fertilize trees. Fertilizer encourages the growth of excess foliage at a time when the tree needs to be expanding the root system.
Water
-
Adequate water is critical to tree transplant care, but too much water can kill the tree. Weekly watering to keep the soil moist, but not wet, is important during the growing season until the roots are established. More frequent watering may be required in hot, dry weather. To determine how long it takes the tree to become established, measure the diameter of the tree trunk and add one year. A tree with a 3-inch-diameter trunk needs four years to recover from transplanting stress. Once the tree is established, less-frequent deep soakings encourage the roots to grow deeper. Follow the water recommendations for your specific tree species and growing conditions.
Mulch
-
A 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of organic mulch over the planting hole and surrounding area conserves water and helps prevent weeds that compete for valuable nutrients. Wood chips, coarse compost and shredded hardwood are ideal. Avoid placing mulch near the trunk or allowing it to touch the root flare or low-hanging branches. Applying too much mulch is a common problem. Excessive mulch encourages roots to grow too shallow or above the soil surface. Shallow roots make the tree more susceptible to drought and cold.
-
