#8: How to Plant A Bare-Root Tree
#1 - Don't Top Trees! It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.
“Each generation takes the Earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed.” |
Unpack tree and soak in water 3 to 6 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.
Dig a hole, wider than seems necessary, so the roots can spread without crowding. Remove any grass within a three-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.
Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments.
Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly packed with your heel. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the tree plenty of water.
After
the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch deep protective mulch area
3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree (but not touching the
trunk). 
Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.