Planting New Trees and Shrubs

Hand planting

Trees should be planted at the same depth as they were grown at the nursery. This is indicated by a change in color on the bark at the former soil line. Using a spade, work open a wedge-shaped hole by forcing the shovel forward. Place the tree in the space, ensuring the roots are evenly spread. Remove the spade. Replace the soil around the roots and pack firmly by tramping to remove air pockets. If the seedling has a spreading root system, a larger hole may be necessary, and the roots spread out prior to packing the soil.

Mechanical planting

Mechanical Planting is the most efficient method of planting large numbers of trees. Check with your rural municipality, agricultural representative, or extension agrologist to inquire if a tree planter is available.

Stake the rows prior to planting to ensure trees are planted at the recommended distances. This allows for easier planting and maintenance.

The tree planter is pulled by tractor with a minimum of 40 HP. The planter opens a furrow into which a seedling is lowered. Ensure the roots are not bent. If there is insufficient room for the roots, adjust the furrow opener. Plant the seedling at the same depth as it was grown at the nursery. Lower the seedling into the furrow immediately behind the furrow opener, at a 45° angle towards Mechanical tree planter the packing wheel.

Hold onto the seedling until soil falls in around the roots as it progresses towards the packing wheel. Release the seedling when it is held by the soil. The packing wheels will pull the seedling into an upright position.

The speed of the tractor and the planter's rhythm control the spacing of the seedlings. Spacing can be gauged by a mechanical beeper or by dragging a light chain behind the planter with a flag attached at the recommended distance. Plant a seedling when the flag passes the previous seedling.

Have someone walk behind the tree planter to pack the soil around each seedling, to cover the roots if necessary, or to uncover buried seedlings.

Care of trees after planting

Water all trees immediately after planting. When watering, soak heavily because shallow watering encourages shallow rooting. Shallow-rooted trees cannot tolerate drought. Weed control is essential to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients. If cultivating between the rows, shallow, careful cultivation is required to prevent injury to tree roots. Trees should be fenced off to prevent livestock from eating or trampling the seedlings. Damage by wildlife and rodents may be reduced by using tree guards or repellents.

Pruning trees is required only to remove dead, diseased or broken branches. Any branches that are removed will not re-grow and gaps will be left.

Fertilizer applied at the soil surface is not recommended for newly planted trees. The fertilizer does not move deep in the soil, so root growth is promoted near the soil surface

Source: https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculture-and-the-environment/agricultural-practices/agroforestry/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees/planting-new-trees-and-shrubs/?id=1346110148472