Trees are a vital part of the home landscape. Trees provide beauty, shade, and habitats for wildlife. They can also screen unsightly views, provide privacy, reduce noise pollution, lower utility bills, and provide many other benefits. The most common way to establish trees in the home landscape is to purchase container-grown or balled and burlapped plants at local garden centers and nurseries.
Before planting, it is important to select the best tree for the planting site. Learn more about selecting the best tree for your site from this publication: Guidelines for Selecting Trees
Planting Containerized Trees | Planting B&B Trees | Care of Newly-Planted Trees | More Information

Container-Grown vs. Balled & Burlapped
Container-grown trees have been grown in containers for one or more seasons. As a result, container-grown plants have well-developed root systems.
Balled and burlapped (B&B) trees are dug with balls of soil around their roots. The root balls are wrapped in burlap and held in place with twine or nails. Large trees are placed in wire baskets for additional support.
Container-grown and B&B trees can be successfully planted from spring to fall.
Generally, container-grown plants are smaller in size and lower in price in comparison to balled and burlapped stock.
Planting Container-Grown Trees
To successfully establish trees in the home landscape, it's important to follow proper planting techniques.
Start by locating the trunk flare of the tree. This is the spot on the trunk that broadens just above the soil line. It is common for trees to be planted too deep in containers. Remove any soil off the top of the root ball to expose the trunk flare if needed.

Dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the container. The depth of the hole should be the height of the root ball (after the extra soil has been removed to reveal the trunk flare). Slope the sides of the hole so the top of the hole is several inches wider than the bottom.
In poorly drained soils, the depth of the hole should be approximately two-thirds the height of the soil ball.
Once the hole has been prepared, carefully lay the tree on its side. Tap the sides of the container to loosen the soil ball from the container, then slide the tree out of its container.
You may have to cut the containers off large, container-grown trees. Also, cut away the containers of poorly established trees to prevent the soil ball from falling apart. Begin by cutting off the bottom of the container. Place the tree in the hole, then, cut away the sides of the container. All containers should be removed, including fiber and fabric containers.


If the sides of the soil ball are a mass of roots, shave the outer 1/2 inch of soil off the root ball with a sharp knife or spade. The goal is to remove any roots that are circling the root ball and leave behind roots that are pointed straight out from the root ball. Also, if possible, make a 1/2-inch-deep, x-shaped cut on the bottom of the soil ball.
Carefully place the tree in the hole. The top of the soil ball should be at the same grade as the surrounding soil and it should place the tree's trunk flare right at the soil line. In poorly drained sites, the top one-third of the soil ball should stick above the surrounding soil.
Gradually fill the hole with soil. With each new addition of soil, firm it in place with your hands. Do not add compost, peat, or other organic materials to the soil. Once planted, water thoroughly.
Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
Start by locating the trunk flare of the tree. This is the spot on the trunk where the roots meet the trunk and is characterized by widening or flaring out just above the soil line. Pull back the burlap and twine if needed to find it. Often in the process of digging trees for B&B the trunk flare gets buried in the root ball. Remove any soil off the top of the root ball to expose the trunk flare.
Dig a planting hole with a width that is 2 to 3 times the diameter of the tree's root ball. The depth of the hole should be the height of the root ball (after the extra soil has been removed to reveal the trunk flare) or an inch or so less than the height of the root ball. Slope the sides of the hole so the top is several inches wider than the bottom.

Grasping the tree's root ball, carefully lower the tree into the hole. The top of the root ball should be at or just above the surrounding soil line. Make sure the trunk is straight. Then, begin backfilling with the original soil. Do not add compost, peat, or other organic materials to the soil. Gently firm the backfill soil in the hole with your hands.
When the planting hole is one-half full, cut and remove all twine. Also, cut away and remove the burlap on the top one-third to one-half of the root ball. If the root ball is in a wire basket, remove the top one-third to one-half of the basket. Completely fill the remainder of the hole with soil. Place soil up to the top of the root ball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line. Thoroughly water the tree.
Poorly drained sites are difficult locations for many trees. When selecting trees for these sites, choose trees that can tolerate poorly drained conditions. When planting, the depth of the planting hole should be approximately two-thirds of the height of the root ball. When placed in the hole, the top one-third of the soil ball should be above the surrounding soil. When backfilling, place soil to the top of the root ball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line.
Care for Newly-Planted Trees
Newly-planted trees need frequent care during the entire establishment period. Good cultural practices during this period help reduce transplant stress and create a favorable environment for tree growth.
Consistent and proper care during the establishment period is the most important thing you can do to succeed with your new tree.
Learn more in this article: Care of Newly-Planted Trees
More information
- Tree Planting Basics
- How to Plant Bare Root Trees
- Community Tree Planting and Care Guide (publication)
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