When new homes rise up out of old farm fields, one thing that’s often forgotten is the landscape. There simply are no big, old trees surrounding the houses – so homeowners begin to plant.
Large or small, when planted and cared for properly, trees bring your landscape years worth of natural beauty (and beyond).
Photo Credit: Mark A. Miller
While smaller trees are often recommended because they become established more readily and are easy to maneuver, specimen trees add instant “maturity” to a garden. While very large specimen trees should be planted with the assistance of experts, trees with root balls up to 4 feet in diameter can be planted on your own if you have a few strong helpers.
So don’t let size intimidate you. If you want a bigger bang for your yard, gather a shovel, sturdy planks, a hammer, crowbar, sheet metal shears and your tree (which you can often have delivered to your home), then take the steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions. Once your tree has been planted, water well and take good care of it to bring years (and years) of instant joy and beauty to your landscape.
How to Plant a Large Tree
Planting a Large Tree - Step 1
After digging your planting hole, enlist the aid of a strong, willing helper and lay your specimen tree on its side. Completely remove the wooden bottom of the box. (The box’s tapered shape will support the tree.)
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting a Large Tree - Step 2
Set the tree upright in its box. Note its best face and rotate the tree so its orientation matches the planting hole. With sheet metal shears, cut the lower binding strap.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting a Large Tree - Step 3
With your helper, raise the side of the box nearest the hole, sliding two planks beneath it. The planks should reach beyond the box to halfway across the planting hole.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting a Large Tree - Step 4
Using the planks as slides, push the tree over the hole. Control your plant’s descent by using the planks as levers, and avoid using the tree’s trunk to position it.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting a Large Tree - Step 5
With your tree positioned in the hole, use shears to cut the top binding strap, then use a crowbar to remove the box’s sides. Backfill the hole with native soil.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting a Large Tree - Step 6
Build a 4- to 6-inch-high dike around the tree that’s about the same diameter as its old box. Water the tree extensively, adding extra soil to fill any uneven settling.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
