Tree Plant Step by Step

Why plant trees?

Well, first off, trees produce oxygen. What else do you need to know? You've got lungs, right? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 acre of trees produces 4 tons of oxygen annually. That's enough oxygen to sustain 18 people for one full year. Trees also act as carbon sinks by fascinating or seizing carbon dioxide from the air, and leafy tree canopies intercept fine-particulate pollution and absorb pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

These are reasons that trees are good for the planet, but there are more self-interested reasons to plant them as well: They can save you money. Strategically planted trees can block out solar heat gain and keep your home cooler. "Planting trees on the west and east sides of your house can reduce air-conditioning costs by as much as 20 percent," explains Lorna Vogt, manager of One Million Trees for One Million People, a Salt Lake County, Utah, agency that's attempting to plant one million trees in 10 years. In winter, evergreens can create windbreaks, which can cut heating bills by as much as 30 percent, according to Vogt. There's never been a better time to grab a shovel and get planting. Here's what to do if you're transplanting a sapling tree from a nursery, as opposed to starting with seeds, in nine easy steps.

1. Determine the planting site. 

Choose a location 15 to 20 ft. from the house, sidewalk, driveway and other trees. 

Steer clear of overhead power lines.

·         To ensure there are no buried wires or pipes in the area, call your utility company. You can try Call Before You Dig to get the local number you need to call.

2. Mark the planting location.

·         Drive a wooden or metal stake into the ground at the center of the planting location.

·         Measure the diameter of the tree's root ball at its greatest dimension.

·         Cut a length of twine 1 or 1½ times the root-ball diameter (for example, a 2-ft.-dia. root ball requires 2 or 3 ft. of twine).

·         Loosely tie the string to the stake.

·         Hold a can of special line-marking spray paint, which works upside down, at the end of the twine. Pull the twine taut and swing a circle around the stake while spraying paint onto the ground. The goal is to create a circle that's two to three times wider than the root ball. (The twine represents the radius of the hole you'll have to dig.)

3. Measure the height of the root ball.

·         Stand up the tree and loosen the burlap from around the base of the trunk. (Don't remove all the burlap just yet.)

·         Use a three-prong cultivator or small garden trowel to remove soil from the top of the root ball; dig away just enough soil to expose the root flare, which is the point where the trunk spreads out to the individual roots.

·         Measure the height of the root ball from the ground to the bottom of the exposed root flare. This distance will be the depth of your hole--the idea is to keep the root flare exposed.

4. Dig the hole.

·         Lay a plastic tarp near the site of the hole.

·         Use a pointed shovel to cut through the grass all around the perimeter of the painted outline.

·         Use a flat-blade shovel to remove the grass, which you can discard or transplant elsewhere. (Never backfill a hole with grass.)

·         Start digging, shoveling the soil onto the tarp so you can easily get it back into the hole when it's time to backfill.

5. Measure the hole depth.

·         Drive a stake into the ground next to the hole and tie a string onto it at grade.

·         Pull the string level across the hole and measure down from the string to the bottom of the hole.

·         If necessary, dig out more soil to reach the desired depth.

·         Use the shovel to scrape the bottom of the hole flat.

·         Sprinkle superphosphate into the hole to promote healthy roots. (Check the label on the superphosphate package for the right amount to add according to the size of the tree.)

·         Scratch the superphosphate into the soil with a three-prong cultivator or garden rake.

6. Set the tree into the hole.

·         Carry or roll the tree into the hole, making sure to support its upper branches.

·         Stand it upright, then step back and look at the tree. Have a helper rotate the tree as you look for its best "face."

·         Position the tree so its face is pointing in the most prominent direction--typically the street when planted in the front yard, or the rear deck, porch or kitchen window when planted in the backyard.

7. Prep the root ball.

·         If the root ball is enclosed by a wire basket, cut away the basket using bolt cutters or metal snips.

·         Cut and remove the twine from the root ball, then peel back the burlap. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut away as much burlap as possible. You don't have to remove the basket or burlap from the very bottom of the hole, which is difficult if the tree has a large, heavy root ball.

·         Use a cultivator or garden rake to scratch at the soil around the ball; this helps loosen tightly packed soil and expose the tiny roots.

8. Backfill the hole.

·         Spread superphosphate and 3-4-3 fertilizer onto the soil piled up on the tarp. (Use the amounts suggested on the packaging for the size of your tree.)

·         Use a rake or cultivator to scratch the two ingredients into the soil.

·         Mix up the soil with a shovel, then start shoveling it into the hole, making sure you don't bury the root flare.

·         When the hole is full, use the shovel to create a 6-in.-high curb of soil around the tree; this forms a crater to retain water.

·         Use a garden hose to fill the crater with water. Wait for the water to be absorbed by the soil, then knock down the curb and smooth out the dirt with a rake.

9. Water regularly or drip-irrigate.

·         Spread 3 in. of mulch over the exposed dirt around the tree. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk where mulch can trap moisture and promote rot.

·         Water the tree every day for at least six weeks to give the roots enough time to become fully established.

·         For a convenient alternative, hang two drip-irrigation bags from the tree's trunk. Fill each bag with water.

Check the bags for water each day, refilling as necessary. Keep the bags in place for six to eight weeks.

Significance of Tree

Trees improve our lives.

Since the beginning, trees have furnished us with two of life's essentials, food and oxygen. As we developed, they provided additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands to satisfy the needs created by our modern lifestyles.

Community/Social Value

Trees are an important part of every community. Our streets, parks, playgrounds and backyards are lined with trees that create a peaceful, appealingly pleasing environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings. We gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor activities with family and friends. Many neighborhoods are also the home of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a great source of town pride.

Using trees in cities to deflect the sunlight reduces the heat island effect caused by roadway and commercial buildings.

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Ecological and Environmental Value

Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate enrichment, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "One acre of forest fascinates six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people." Trees, shrubs and turf also filter air by removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. After trees intercept unhealthy particles, rain washes them to the ground.

Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to influencing wind speed and direction, they shield us from the downfall of rain, sleet and hail. Trees also lower the air temperature and reduce the heat power of the greenhouse effect by maintaining low levels of carbon dioxide.

Trees provide protection and oxygen. Protect your trees with professional care.

Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the eco-systems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil.

Many animals, including elephants, koalas and giraffes eat leaves for food. Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and juice is a favorite of birds, bats and many insects. Animals also eat much of the same fruit that we enjoy This process helps disperse seeds over great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep many animals, such as birds and squirrels, out of the reach of predators.

Personal/ Spiritual Value

The main reason we like trees is because they are both beautiful and majestic. No two are alike. Different species display a seemingly endless variety of shapes, forms, textures and vibrant colors. Even individual trees vary their appearance throughout the course of the year as the seasons change. The strength, long lifespan and regal stature of trees give them a monument-like quality. Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. In fact, many people plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events.

Trees help record the history of your family as they grow and develop alongside you and your kids. We often make an emotional connection with trees we plant or become personally attached to the ones that we see every day. These strong bonds are evidenced by the hundreds of groups and organizations across the country that go to great lengths to protect and save particularly large or historic trees from the dangers of modern development. How many of your childhood memories include the trees in your backyard or old neighborhood? The sentimental value of a special tree is simply immeasurable.

Practical/Commercial Value

Trees have supported and sustained life throughout our existence. They have a wide variety of practical and commercial uses. Wood was the very first fuel, and is still used for cooking and heating by about half of the world's population. Trees provide timber for building construction, furniture manufacture, tools, sporting equipment, and thousands of household items. Wood pulp is used to make paper.

We are all aware of apples, oranges and the countless other fruits and nuts provided by trees, as well as the tasty syrup of North American sugar maples. But did you know the bark of some trees can be made into cork and is a source of chemicals and medicines? Quinine and aspirin are both made from bark extracts. The inner bark of some trees contains latex, the main ingredient of rubber. How many more uses can you name?

Property Value/Economic Value

A well-maintained landscape that makes a real economic impact on property values.

Individual trees and shrubs have value and contribute to savings, but it is the collective influence of a well-maintained landscape that makes a real economic impact and has the greatest effect on property value. Direct economic benefits come from a savings in energy costs. Cooling costs are reduced in a tree-shaded home, and heating costs lowered when a tree serves as a windbreak. According to the USDA Forest Service, "Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating."

Property values of homes with well-maintained landscapes are up to 20% higher than others. Here are some eye-opening facts and statistics regarding the effect of healthy trees and shrubs:

 “Homes with "excellent" landscaping can expect a sale price 6-7% higher than equivalent houses with "good" landscaping. Improving "average" to "good" landscaping can result in a 4-5% increase.”

       - Clemson University

 

“Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100-200% at selling time. (Kitchen remodeling brings 75-125%, bathroom remodeling 20-120%)”

    - Money Magazine

“A mature tree can have an appraised value between $1000 and $10,000.”

    - Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers

  

“99% of real estate appraisers concurred that landscaping enhances the sales appeal of real estate.”

    - Trendnomics, National Gardening Association

   

“98% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for over $250,000 (83% believe the same for homes listed under $150,000).”

    - American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage

What is Plantation

A plantation is a large agricultural property dedicated to planting a few crops on a large scale. If you dream of having 3,000 acres to raise cucumbers on, then you have ideas of a cucumber plantation.

Tree planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purpose. It differs from the transplantation of larger trees in arboriculture, and from the lower cost but slower and less reliable distribution of tree seeds.

Benefit Of Tree Plantation

Trees combat climate change

Ø  Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by many factors is a building up in our atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

Trees clean the air

Ø  Trees absorb smells and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees provide oxygen

Ø  In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees cool the streets and the city

Ø  Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6°F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.

Trees cool the city by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Trees conserve energy

Ø  Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

Trees save water

Ø  Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Ø  Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

Ø  On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Ø  Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food

Ø  An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal

Ø  Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

Trees reduce violence

Ø  Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.

Trees mark the seasons

Ø  Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees.

Trees create economic opportunities

Ø  Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

Trees are teachers and playmates

Ø  Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages.

Trees bring diverse groups of people together

Ø  Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event.

Trees add unity

Ø  Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.

Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife

Ø  Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.

Trees block things

Ø  Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.

Trees provide wood

Ø  In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.

Trees increase property values

Ø  The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic

Ø  Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.