Planting Urban Maples

80% of tree problems occur at planting time. Protect your investment by planting trees right.

Once you completed a site assessment and selected a suitable tree, proper planting techniques need to be employed for the tree’s long-term success. Trees can be successfully planted at two times during the year – spring and fall. Fall planting may be beneficial as it allows for new root development earlier in the spring. In Vermont, this should be done before mid-October. Generally, maples are easy to transplant and can be moved most any time of year. However, some species will perform better if planted in the spring including Freeman maple (Acer x freemanii), red maple (Acer rubrum) and Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum).

Tips for Planting Trees:
1. Select trees with a single, straight trunk.
2. Plant trees 11/2” to 21/2” in caliper.
3. Make the planting hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and only as deep. Be cautious not to plant too deep. Trees should be planted with their root flare even with the soil line. Soil may need to be removed from around the root collar to expose the root flare. If the soil is compacted, make the upper portion of the hole wider.
4. Leave a mound of undisturbed soil in the bottom of the hole to support the root ball and prevent settling.
5. Remove or cut and fold down burlap and/or wire basket away from root ball, after tree placement, at least 50%. Allow the roots to lie naturally.
6. Use good native soil or topsoil for backfilling.
7. Apply 2” to 3” of wood chip or bark mulch.
8. Keep mulch away from base of tree.
9. If staking, tie with a slack rubber hose or strap; be sure to remove ties within one year.

Watch online video clips on planting trees.