How to Plant an American Hornbeam Tree

Prepare the area for planting by removing any debris and digging up any unwanted plants.

Dig a hole that is four times the width of the hornbeam's root ball and at least as deep as the root ball using a sharp spade. Set the dirt aside in one area. Loosen the dirt around the sides and bottom of the hole with your spade so that it isn't compressed.

Amend the soil that you removed with compost or well-rotted manure for fertilizer. If the soil doesn't drain well, mix sand into it to increase aeration and draining properties. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge when it is the ideal consistency.

Unwrap the tree's root ball from its container. Tap the sides of a plastic container and turn it upside down while supporting the tree with your free hand. Cut it free if it came in burlap or twine.

Cut the roots to encourage good root development using a sharp knife with a smooth blade. Remove any excessively long roots, roots that circle around the root ball and matted roots.

Place the root ball gently in the hole so that the top of the root ball is flush with the ground. Avoid planting it so the root ball is sunk into the hole as this encourages water to accumulate. Elevate the tree, if necessary, by adding soil to the bottom of the hole.

Fill the sides of the hole with the soil you removed. Tamp it gently in place until the tree is stable. Settle the soil by watering the tree. Add more soil if it compacted after watering.

Mulch around the tree with 2 inches of an organic mulch, such as compost or tree bark. Keep the mulch at least 1 inch from the trunk of the tree.