Step 1

Soak your tree sapling in water for 5 to 7 minutes to thoroughly moisten the sapling’s root system,

Step 2

Select your tree planting site. Avoid planting your sapling within 5 to 10 feet of any large obstructions such as mature trees or buildings.

Step 3

Measure the sapling’s base of the root to its root flare to determine the depth of your hole.

Step 4

Dig your hole!

Step 5

Ensure that your hole is of the appropriate depth. To do so, place your sapling in the hole and ensure that the root flare is equal with the surrounding soil level. 

Step 6

Make adjustments to the hole’s depth if necessary.

Step 7

Fill in your hole with the dug-up soil. Lightly compact the soil as you begin to reach ground level.

Step 8

Ensure the root flare is fully exposed to oxygen and not mounded with soil.

Step 9

Take a picture and tag @RussellTreeExperts on Instagram & Facebook! You are now finished planting your tree sapling!

Step 10

Learn more about the TREE FOR A TREE® program!