- 1). Select a site for the tree seedling. The soil needs to drain well to keep the roots from rotting. The site should be free of anything the tree can grow into such as fences, overhead lines or buildings.
- 2). Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as big around. If the seedling does not have a root ball, dig the hole deeper than the roots are long.
- 3). Deglaze the sides of the hole by chopping up the sides with a spade. The sides of holes dug in soils with a lot of clay or moisture will be glazed, preventing the roots from penetrating and spreading out.
- 4). Add water to the hole if the soil is dry. This will keep moisture from migrating away from the roots when you place the seeding into the hole.
- 5). Remove any non-biodegradable packaging such as plastic or synthetic burlap that may be used to contain the root ball. Cut the twine holding the burlap root ball wrapping (if natural, biodegradable burlap was used) pushing it aside.
- 6). Place the seedling into the hole.
- 7). Back fill the hole, loosely packing it. The roots need to be able to spread out and penetrate the soil freely. Keep an eye on the trunk to make sure it remains straight and centered as you back fill.
- 8). Stake the tree. One stake will be enough for seedlings. It is important that the stake be tied loosely to the trunk so you do not strangle the tree.
- 9). Water until the soil is soaked thoroughly. Water daily for the first few weeks.
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