How to Landscape With Hickory Trees

Hickory trees offer shade and ground cover to areas of the yard that see full sun. They are not very shade tolerant and grow best in partial- to full-sun areas. The hickory tree is a slow-growing tree, reaching 80 feet at its maturity, so think long-term about their placement. The leaves of the hickory are several inches long with seven to nine leaflets growing off the stem. They turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, making the landscape come alive with color.

Pointed shovel
Measuring tape
Shade-tolerant perennials
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location away from power lines to plant the hickory trees where they will also receive partial to full sun.
- 2
  Plant the hickory trees along property borders for a clean line to the landscape.
- 3
  Spade an area of well-drained soil at least 20 feet from buildings with a pointed shovel to a depth of 3 feet.
- 4
  Dig a hole 3 feet deep and 2 feet wide to hold the root ball of the hickory tree.
- 5
  Place the tree into the hole, making sure the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- 6
  Backfill the hole with the removed dirt and firm the soil around the trunk to stabilize the tree.
- 7
  Measure 12 feet from the planted tree and repeat Steps 3 to 6 for the remaining trees being planted along the property border.
- 8
  Spade an area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree and loosen the soil.
- 9
  Plant hostas and other shade-tolerant perennials around the tree.
- 10
  Water the area well and cover the planting area with 2 inches of mulch to retain moisture in the soil.

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