How To Plant A Tree

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when selecting the type of tree, you’ll be installing:

  • Light – Is the spot you have in mind located in sun or shade?
  • Wind – Does the location tend to be windy or is it sheltered by your home or other trees?
  • Soil – Is your soil usually dry or does water stick around after a rain?

Check out the great resources available at ArborDay.orgif you’re having a hard time deciding what type of tree would be best for your yard.

Once you’ve selected the tree – it’s time to get planting! Make sure your tree gets off to the best possible start by giving the roots a great place to grow and expand!

 

This starts with DIGGING.

The most important part of this step is not to dig the hole too deep. The proper depth will vary depending on the size and age of the tree you’ve selected. A good rule of thumb is to make the hole as deep as the root ball. Digging the hole too deep can cause problems for the tree. Too much soil on top of the root ball can be problematic. While digging, remove any debris like large rocks and hard clumps from the soil.

Exposed Root Ball Of Tree In Hole Ready To Be Covered In Dirt

The width of the hole is another story. You want to be sure that there is enough space to pack soil around the root ball usually 6-8” wider than the root ball.  We recommend that you amend the soil prior to refilling the hole. There are many different types of organic matter available for this use. Products like LeafGro, Bumper Crop and compost work extremely well.  The best ratio to use is a 1-compost to 2-soil ratio.  It is very important that the compost is mixed in thoroughly.  Large pockets of compost around the roots could result in burning.  Remember, the compost is still breaking down which can produce some heat.

Landscape Crew Member Mixing Dirt and LeafGro Together To Put On Root Ball Of Tree

Putting your tree in place.

Lift the tree into its new home by the root ball, not the trunk. Stand the tree upright in the center of the hole. Be sure to remove any ropes and burlap from around the trunk and the top of the root ball.  These things can cause wicking, drawing moisture from the root ball and if it is wrapped around the trunk for too long it could cause girdling of the trunk.

Exposing the trunk flare is very important. This can be done by removing any excess soil on top of the root ball. Too much soil on top of the root ball can cause things like trunk rot, girdling roots, and root suffocation. Using your newly created soil mix, fill the hole with approximately 3-4” then pack firm, making sure there are no air pockets. Repeat until the top level is even with collar of the root ball. **Remember to keep the trunk flare exposed, make sure that no new soil is placed on top of the root ball.  There will be excess soil left over from the planting.

The Finishing Touches – Edging, Staking and Mulching!

Cutting an edge around the tree is important to define a bed if it is planted in the lawn. This will keep the mulch in place and keep the mowers and trimmers away from the tree.

Properly Planted and Staked Tree with Pine Bark Mulch

When staking a tree, you need to get an idea of where the wind comes from so the stake can keep the tree straight and upright. If your house blocks the wind, then place the stakes parallel with the house for a more pleasing look.  We typically use arbor tie to attach the tree to the stake.  The stakes should be removed after a year, so the trunk doesn’t outgrow the arbor tie.

There are many different materials you can use for mulch. No matter what you choose, the most important thing to remember is to keep it thin on top of the root ball.   Mulch is not meant to insulate the root ball so thick applications and volcanoes are not needed.

One final piece of advice….Don’t forget to water!

Click the video below to see Mike walk through the proper way to plant a new tree. Demonstrating correct hole size, soil mixture, appropriate coverage of the root ball and staking.

March 22, 2018
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.