Scrub Hub: Are Indiana homeowners planting trees the wrong way? The answer is most likely

Spring is here and Hoosiers are preparing to plant all sorts of things: flowers, shrubs and trees. Of those DIY yard projects, trees are the most difficult. 

If you’ve noticed trees that aren’t thriving, it may go back to how they were planted. We covered problems with mulching last year and now we are further digging (pun intended) into how to care for your trees.

For this edition of the Scrub Hub, we answer the question: Am I planting my trees the wrong way?  

To answer this question, we spoke with a tree steward as well as someone from Purdue. 

Short Answer: How am I planting my trees wrong? 

Planting trees seems like it should be pretty simple: Dig a hole and put the tree in it. But there’s actually a lot more to it. 

Elizabeth Jarvis, a certified tree steward, said she sees two major issues: planting trees still in their wrappings from the nursery, and planting the wrong depth. 

The wrappings, especially if wire, nylon or a plastic container, can inhibit root growth and spread. The twine or plastic fibers can also embed in the roots, causing damage. While burlap is believed to be more natural and will decompose, Jarvis said it often is sprayed with materials that makes it harder to break down. 

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The depth of the hole is another key factor. Many people either dig the hole too deep or not deep enough — but, like Goldilocks, it needs to be just right. 

Roots normally grow within a foot of the surface, so too deep and it’s difficult for the roots to get the oxygen they need. Too shallow and they struggle to anchor themselves into the ground and are too exposed, which makes the roots vulnerable. 

Long answer: What are the correct steps to plant a tree? 

When trees are not planted properly, it sets them up for failure, Jarvis said. 

It might take several years for a tree to start having problems — often after the nursery warranty has expired — but an incorrectly planted tree will make it more difficult for a tree to survive and thrive.

So what is the correct way to plant a tree to give it the best chance of living a long and healthy life? Follow these steps, according to Kyle Daniel, who works in the Nursery and Landscape program at Purdue University. 

First, remove any and all wrappings or container around the root ball. Then remove dirt from the top of the ball until you could see the root flare — or where the trunk starts to widen into the roots (think ankle into the top of the foot). 

Then, Daniel recommends shaving off the root ball on all sides and the bottom by about an inch. And remember to shake off some of the dirt and stretch out any roots that are circling around the ball. 

“Over time, the roots will circle and eventually girdle the tree, resulting in death,” he said. “For the long-term health of the tree, removing those roots is very important.”

When digging the hole, it should be deep enough so the root flare is flush with the surrounding ground. Don’t go deeper where the flare is covered, and don’t go less where part of the root ball is sitting above the ground. The hole should also be at least twice as wide as the root ball. 

Daniel said it’s important to backfill the hole with the same soil that was removed, and not to use other materials such as sand or peat which won’t drain water properly. 

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Once planted, Daniel said to stake only if totally necessary, to water when needed and to mulch the correct way. We looked at the topic of volcano mulching in a previous Scrub Hub. 

And most importantly, Jarvis said to consult with an arborist or make sure to talk with your landscapers before they plant trees in your yard. There are good resources on how to plant a tree at treesaregood.org, a site managed by the International Society of Arboriculture.  

If you have more questions about trees, planting or any other topics, let us know! You can ask us by submitting a question through our Google form below. Can’t see the form? Click here.

Call IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at 317-444-6129 or email at sarah.bowman@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. Connect with IndyStar’s environmental reporters: Join The Scrub on Facebook.

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.