How to Plant Navel Oranges

Select a site in an area of full sun with well-drained, deep soil. Texas AgriLife Extension recommends loam. Growing in poorly drained soil reduces the life of the tree and leads to poor growth.

Prepare the planting hole at least 12 feet from walkways, driveways and buildings to allow adequate growing space. Planting on the southeast or south sides of a building helps provide the tree with cold protection.

Dig the hole twice the diameter of the root ball of small- to medium-sized trees and three times the diameter of large trees. The depth of the hole should be as deep as the original container.

Slip the tree out of the container, retaining all of the soil and taking care not to damage the roots. Place in the planting hole and fill hole halfway with soil. Water the hole to help the soil settle in the lower roots. Fill the hold the rest of the way with soil.

Use soil to create a watering ring 2 feet wide, several inches high and equally thick around the tree. Fill the ring with water after planting the tree. As the water settles the soil around the tree, you may notice holes and gaps. Fill these with additional soil.

Keep the watering ring free of weeds and grasses. Water every few day in the initial few weeks and then every week to 10 days for the next few months. Over time, the watering ring will dissolve into the soil as the tree is established.