Tree Installation

and Establishme

nt

Select Tree Species to Fit Site

• Function or use• Adaptability

• Soil characteristics• Pest susceptibility

• Maintenance requirements

Nursery Stock Types

Container grown

Bare root

Balled and

burlapped Potte

d

Grow bags

Container Grown Trees

Advantages• Ease of handling• Extends planting

time• Lightweight soil• Many species, sizes

available• Normally under 2”

caliperDisadvantages• May distort roots

Distorted Roots

Spiraling and other deformities can cause girdling roots, tree instability, and other future problems!

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Standards for Container Grown Trees

Trunk caliper (inches)1

Minimum container size

(gallons)

Minimum tree height on

standard trees

Minimum tree height on slower

grown trees

Maximum tree height

1 5 6 5 10

2 20 10 8 14

3 45 12 9.5 16

4 95 14 10.5 18

5 95      

1 Trunk diameter (caliper) is measured 6 inches from the ground unless trunk is more than 4 inches caliper. If so, measure trunk caliper 12 inches above ground. Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI 60.1, and Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Stock

Small Container Standards

Balled and Burlapped Trees

Advantages• Traditional method• No bound roots• Over 2” caliper

Disadvantages• Heavy• Limited time for lifting • 90%+ roots lost• Establishment time• May have extra soil

over roots

Tree Ball Methods

High/Low Profile Baskets

Standards for Balled and Burlapped Trees

Trunk caliper (inches)1

Minimum ball diameter on field

grown shade trees

Minimum tree height on

standard trees

Minimum tree height on slower

grown trees

Maximum tree height

1 16 6 5 10

2 24 10 8 14

3 32 12 9.5 16

4 42 14 10.5 18

5 54      

1 Trunk diameter (caliper) is measured 6 inches from the ground unless trunk is more than 4 inches caliper. If so, measure trunk caliper 12 inches above ground. Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI 60.1, and Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Stock.

Tree Ball Standards---1-1/4 Inch Caliper

Tree Ball Standards---2 Inch Caliper

Tree Ball Standards---3 Inch Caliper

Bare Root TreesAdvantages• Reduced weight• Less costly• Permits full

examination of roots

Disadvantages• Limited planting

time• Specialized handling• Usually wholesale

only

Standards for Bare Root Trees

Caliper (inches) Average height range (feet) Minimum root spread (inches)

.5 5-6 12

.75 6-8 16

1 8-10 18

1.25 8-10 20

1.5 10-12 22

1.75 10-12 24

2 12-14 28

2.5 12-14 32

3 14-16 38

Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1 published by American Association of Nurserymen, Washington D.C.

Other Tree Growing Systems

RPM SYSTEMForrest Keeling Nursery, Elsberry, MO

Fibrous Roots

RPM and other systems promote many branched, fibrous roots

RPM roots Conventional seedling

Fibrous container roots

Desirable Tree Characteristics

• Pleasing proportions• Vigorous growth• Bright green

cambium• Evenly spaced

branches• No narrow branch

angles• Straight trunk• No wounds• Well formed roots,

kept moist

1-1/2 Inch Caliper, B&B

Protect Trees During Transport

Tree Planting

Use Correct Technique

• Tree planting knowledge is not innate

• More than one way to plant

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

• Hole Too Small

• Roots Too Deep

Outmoded Planting Practices

• Routine stakes, trunk wrap, soil berm

• Narrow hole• Underdug hole• Soil

amendments• Cut back

branches

Recommended Planting Technique

Check Rootball or Container for Excess Soil over Root System

Remove soil from ball top if needed

Recommended Planting Technique

Recommended Planting Technique

AFA Tree Planting Method

Planted Tree, No Stakes

Standard Planting with Stakes

• For windy locations or small root system

• To protect stem

• Use non-abrasive ties, low on stem

• Allow tree to flex

• Remove ties, stakes ASAP

Optional Berm Planting

• For compacted or shallow soils

• May be used in lieu of standard planting

• Stakes, ties, optional

Root Development in Berm

Subsurface Planting Drain

• For poorly drained soils

• Run drain to daylight

Low Berm After Planting

Powell Gardens

Extra Large Berm With Groundcover

Powell Gardens

Planting Aftercar

e

Watering

Truck Mounted Tank

From Hydrant

Watering Bag

Apply equivalent of 1” rain per week

Re-mulching

No “volcano” mulchingReplace organic mulch every 1-2 years, 2-3” deep

Remove Stakes and Wrap

• Stakes no longer than one year

• Remove wrap before first growing season

Additional Trunk Protection May Be Required

Prune planted trees minimally

Begin routine pruning 3 years after planting

•Select trees to fit site

•Purchase vigorous trees with well-formed branches and roots

•Determine correct planting technique for site

•Follow-up with good maintenance