When planting a bare-root tree, which action is correct?

When planting a bare-root tree, which action is correct?

• A. dig the hole as deep as possible to keep the tree from falling over
• B. make a cone of soil at the bottom of the planting hole and spread the roots evenly
• C. put fertilizer in the planting hole to help regenerate the root system faster
• D. fit extra-long roots into the hole by circling them around the bottom of the hole

Answer: (B)

Getting bare-root trees established successfully hinges on how you position the roots for solid soil contact and outward growth. Making a small cone of soil at the bottom of the planting hole gives the roots a stable base to rest on and helps you place them without crowding. When you spread the roots evenly over that cone, each root can contact soil and begin growing outward rather than curling or bending against the sides of the hole. This setup minimizes air pockets and promotes rapid, uniform establishment by ensuring moisture and nutrients move quickly into the root tips. Keep the root collar at the correct planting depth as you backfill, and firm the soil gently around the roots to eliminate voids. Avoid digging the hole too deep, which can create poor drainage and oxygen problems; avoid placing fertilizer in the planting hole, as salts can burn delicate roots; and avoid forcing long roots to circle around the bottom, which can girdle the tree and impede growth.

Getting bare-root trees established successfully hinges on how you position the roots for solid soil contact and outward growth. Making a small cone of soil at the bottom of the planting hole gives the roots a stable base to rest on and helps you place them without crowding. When you spread the roots evenly over that cone, each root can contact soil and begin growing outward rather than curling or bending against the sides of the hole. This setup minimizes air pockets and promotes rapid, uniform establishment by ensuring moisture and nutrients move quickly into the root tips.

Keep the root collar at the correct planting depth as you backfill, and firm the soil gently around the roots to eliminate voids. Avoid digging the hole too deep, which can create poor drainage and oxygen problems; avoid placing fertilizer in the planting hole, as salts can burn delicate roots; and avoid forcing long roots to circle around the bottom, which can girdle the tree and impede growth.