Balled and Burlap or Potted Coniferous Trees

Planting Site

• Clear any debris (stumps, rocks, etc.) from the planting site.
• Avoid planting in wet depressions.
• If you are unsure of buried utilities, call before you dig – Ontario One call 1-800-400-2255 or on1call.com.
• Where not to plant:
  • Under utility wires (plant at least 5 m/16 ft away)
  • Within a road allowance
  • Over septic systems
  • Under the crown of a live tree
  • Close to buildings
  • Near field tiles or drain outlets
  • Follow municipal setbacks from drains

Planting Instructions

• Lift the tree by the pot or under the root ball. Do not lift it by the trunk.
• Before planting, ensure that the soil within the pot or burlap is moist.
• Dig a planting hole 30 cm (12 in) wider in diameter than the root ball.
• Dig the hole just deep enough that the soil in the pot or root ball is level with the ground and the tree sits on a firm base.
• Lower the potted or balled and burlap tree into the hole, checking for depth and fit.
  • Potted trees: remove the tree from the hole, slide off the pot (disturbing the root system as little as possible) and put the tree back in the hole.
  • Balled and burlap trees: Place the tree in the hole with burlap intact then carefully cut the twine away from trunk, untie the burlap, and fold back (burlap will decompose).
• Ensure the tree is vertical.
• Firm tree in with a mixture of topsoil and compost to eliminate air pockets.

Mulching and Weed Control

• Mulch with composted hardwood chips to a depth of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) to reduce weed competition, retain moisture, and reduce fluctuations in soil temperature.
• Spread the mulch in a circle around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to avoid stem rot.
• Do not use string grass / weed trimmers around any trees, regardless of size.

Watering

• Ensure trees are thoroughly watered at planting.
• In times of drought, water thoroughly once a week.

Bare Root Deciduous Trees

Transporting

• When transporting trees, keep bare roots moist by wrapping them in wet burlap and a tarp.
• Trees should be planted immediately or heeled in to keep roots from drying out.

Planting Site

• Clear any debris (stumps, rocks, etc.) from the planting site.
• Avoid planting in wet depressions.
• If you are unsure of buried utilities, call before you dig – Ontario One call 1-800-400-2255 or on1call.com.
• Where not to plant:
  • Under utility wires (plant at least 5 m/16 ft away)
  • Within a road allowance
  • Over septic systems
  • Under the crown of a live tree
  • Close to buildings
  • Near field tiles or drain outlets
  • Follow municipal setbacks from drains

Planting

• Keep the tree roots moist and protected until the hole is prepared.
• Dig a planting hole 30 cm (12 in) wider than the diameter of the root system.
• Place the tree in the hole and make sure the roots fit without bending or breaking (do not prune roots).
• Check for depth. The root collar should be even with ground (the root collar is where there is a slight change in colour and/or swelling where the stem meets the root ball).
• Hammer in the stake before backfilling with soil to avoid damaging the roots.
• Ensure the tree is vertical.
• Alternately backfill hole with compost/topsoil and tamp down to eliminate air pockets.

Staking

• In windy locations, place wooden stake 15-20 cm (6-8 in) from stem on the prevailing wind side of the tree (do this before backfilling).
• Secure the tree to a stake at 1/3 the height of the tree using a plastic tree tie or burlap in a figure eight pattern.
• Leave the tie slightly loose to allow natural movement which encourages growth.
• Remove stake in one to two years.

Rodent Protection

• Place a rodent guard around the stem to protect it from mice and rabbits during winter months.

Mulching and Weed Control

• Mulch with composted hardwood chips to a depth of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) to reduce weed competition, retain moisture, and reduce fluctuations in soil temperature.
• Spread the mulch in a circle around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk to avoid stem rot.
• Do not use string grass / weed trimmers around any trees, regardless of size.

Crown Pruning

• Carefully prune any dead, broken, or damaged branches.

Watering

• Ensure trees are thoroughly watered at planting.
• In times of drought, water thoroughly once a week.

Bare Root Seedlings

Transportation

• Handle trees gently – do not throw, drop, stack, or sit on the bags.
• Keep the trees cool during transportation and do not leave them in a vehicle for extended periods of time.

Storage

• Ideal storage temperature for trees is 2-5ºC. Store them in a cool area of the barn, garage or basement.
• Plant the trees within 24 hours.

Getting Ready

• Do not open bags until ready to plant.
• Never leave the roots exposed.
• Keep the roots moist by securely resealing partially used bags and returning them to a cool location.
• Cut the elastics around the bundles instead of ripping them off.
• Carefully separate the roots without damaging them. Do not prune the roots.
• If the roots seem dry, dip them in water but do not leave them submerged in water.
• Keep the roots moist by placing them in a bucket or planting bag with a little water in the bottom.

Planting Site

• Proper site preparation is essential to control weed competition. Talk to UTRCA forestry staff for advice.
• Clear any debris (stumps, rocks, etc.) from the planting site.
• Avoid planting in wet depressions.
• Where not to plant:
  • Under utility wires (plant at least 5 m/16 ft away)
  • Within a road allowance
  • Over septic systems
  • Under the crown of a live tree
  • Close to buildings
  • Near field tiles or drain outlets
  • Follow municipal setbacks from drains

Planting

• Remove sod prior to digging.
• The planting hole must be deep and wide enough to accommodate the entire root system, allowing the roots to hang straight down in the hole in a natural arrangement. Do not bunch, wrap, spiral, or bend the roots.
• Check that the seedling is vertical and cover the roots with soil. The soil should be level with the root collar (where there is a slight change in colour and/or a swelling on the trunk).
• To remove air pockets and prevent the roots from drying out, tamp on the soil firmly with your toe.
• Do not bury and branches or leave any roots exposed to the air.

Mulching and Weed Control

• To reduce weed competition, either mulch with composted hardwood chips or apply herbicide.
• Mulch will also retain moisture and reduce fluctuations in soil temperature. Spread mulch in a circle around the tree to a depth of 5-10 cm (2-4 in), keeping it away from the trunk to avoid stem rot.
• Cut the grass between the rows two or three times during the growing season.
• Do not use string grass / weed trimmers around any trees, regardless of size.

Watering

• Water the trees if there is an extended dry spell.

Markers

• Place stakes outside the last row of trees to protect them from being cut or plowed under.

For information on the UTRCA’s tree planting programs, please contact a forestry staff member:

Rob Davies, Forestry and Restoration Supervisor
[email protected]
519-451-2800 ext. 243

Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technical (Vegetation)
[email protected]
519-451-2800 ext. 260

Greg Urquhart, Forestry and Restoration Technician
[email protected]
519-451-2800 ext. 281