Tip of the week: How to properly plant a tree
Select a species; Scout your spot; Get digging
Select a species. Contact a nursery to find out which trees grow best in your area. Once you’ve done your research, look for a “potted tree that’s 6- to 8-feet tall, with well-spaced symmetrical branches, intact bark, and spot-free leaves.”
Scout your spot. Don’t start digging just anywhere. “Visualize your tree’s full-grown size, and think about where the shadow will fall.” Large trees (those that will measure 50 feet tall at maturity) should be planted “at least 15 feet” from any structure or concrete.
Get digging. The “biggest mistake” people make is digging too deep a hole: You’re planting the tree, “not burying it alive.” Measure the distance from the bottom of the root-ball to the trunk flare, where the roots meet the base of the tree. Then dig a hole that’s 1 inch shallower, with a diameter four times the width of the root-ball. Shovel in dirt to stabilize, and dampen with water.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Source: Men’s Health
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What does 'conquering' Gaza mean to Israel?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved a plan to displace much of the Palestinian population while seizing and occupying the territory on a long-term basis.
-
Casey Means: the controversial 'wellness influencer' nominated for surgeon general
In the Spotlight Means has drawn controversy for her closeness to RFK Jr.
-
Trump taps Fox News' Pirro for DC attorney post
speed read The president has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, replacing acting US Attorney Ed Martin