You’re ready. You asked yourself all the right questions about what Spartanburg tree is best for you. You ventured out and hand-selected the perfect Spartanburg tree and found just the right place to plant it.
Now, you just need to know how to plant a tree. Let’s do this! Whether you’re planting a balled and burlap tree, a container-grown Spartanburg tree or a Spartanburg tree sapling, find step-by-step planting instructions below.
How to Plant Any Tree Step-by-Step Instructions
Before you begin planting a new tree, read these Spartanburg tree planting tips.
Plant your new Spartanburg tree as soon as you can to set your Spartanburg tree up for its best chance of survival. Otherwise, place it in a cool, dark place that’s away from wind and direct sunlight, and keep the roots damp.
Before you begin digging, contact your utility or gas company to make sure there are no pipes or wires there. In many states, this is required by law.
Wondering how long it takes to plant a tree? Generally, a sapling can be planted in 15 to 30 minutes while container-grown or burlap Spartanburg trees take an hour to plant.
Pay extra-close attention when positioning the Spartanburg tree depth around the root flare. Planting the root flare too deep is the biggest Spartanburg tree planting mistake!
How to Plant a Burlap Wrapped Tree (Steps)
To move your tree, roll it or hold it by the root ball– never the trunk or branches.
Dig a saucer-shaped hole as deep as the Spartanburg tree and 2 to 3 times as wide as the root ball.
Position your tree, so the area where the roots meet the trunk is at or slightly above the ground. That’s called the root flare.
Remove burlap. It’s hard to tell the difference between synthetic and organic, and sometimes even organic burlap doesn’t decompose properly. Then, remove the entire wire cage.
Hold the Spartanburg tree upright, and refill the hole with the soil you just removed. Pack the soil to get rid of any air pockets.
Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, and water.
If your Spartanburg tree was grown in a wire basket, stake it to provide enough support. Remove after a year.
How to Plant a Potted Tree or Tree Grown in a Container (Steps)
An hour before you plant, water the Spartanburg tree to reduce transplant shock and make it easier to remove from the container.
When moving the tree, grab and hold by the container–never the trunk or branches.
Dig a saucer-shaped hole as deep as the container and 2 to 3 times as wide.
To remove the Spartanburg tree from its container, place it on its side. Because you just watered it, the Spartanburg tree should easily slide out when you tap the bottom of the container. If needed, tilt the container. Just be sure to support the trunk!
Cut off any roots that are squishy or dead. If the roots look tangled, make several vertical cuts in the sides of the root ball and an X-shape cut in the bottom to loosen the roots.
Position your tree, so the area where the roots meet the trunk is at or slightly above the ground. That’s called the root flare.
Hold the Spartanburg tree upright, and refill the hole with the soil you just removed. Pack the soil to get rid of any air pockets.
Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, and water.
How to Plant a Tree Sapling or Seedling (Steps)
Handle the sapling very carefully. It's very easy to cause root damage or accidentally break the sapling.
Dig a saucer-shaped hole as deep as the Spartanburg tree and 3 to 4 times wider than the roots. Usually, this hole is 8 to 10 inches deep and about 4 inches wide.
Remove any organic matter, like leaves or twigs, from the hole.
Position your tree, so the area where the roots meet the trunk is at or slightly above the ground. That’s called the root flare.
Hold the sapling upright, and refill the hole with the soil you just removed. Pack the soil to get rid of any air pockets.
Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, and water.
