This document provides information on selecting, transporting, and planting trees. It discusses choosing tree species that are adapted to the site's soil, climate and intended use. It describes different types of nursery stock like container-grown, balled-and-burlapped, and bare root trees. Standards are outlined for minimum sizes of trees based on trunk caliper. Proper planting techniques are emphasized, like using the correct hole size and depth, and mulching after planting. Ongoing care like staking, watering and pruning is also covered.

1. Tree
Installation
and
Establishment

2. Select Tree Species to Fit Site
•Function or use
•Adaptability
•Soil characteristics
•Pest susceptibility
•Maintenance requirements

3. Nursery Stock Types
Container Balled
grown and
burlapped Grow
Bare Potted bags
root

4. Container Grown Trees
Advantages
• Ease of handling
• Extends planting time
• Lightweight soil
• Many species, sizes
available
• Normally under 2”
caliper
Disadvantages
• May distort roots

5. Distorted Roots
1
Spiraling and other
2
deformities can cause 3
girdling roots, tree
instability, and other
future problems!

6. Standards for Container Grown Trees
Minimum Minimum tree Minimum tree
Trunk caliper Maximum tree
container size height on height on slower
(inches)1 height
(gallons) standard trees grown trees
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

7. Small Container Standards

8. 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

9. Tree Ball Methods

10. High/Low Profile Baskets

11. Standards for Balled and Burlapped Trees
Minimum ball
Minimum tree Minimum tree
Trunk caliper diameter on field Maximum tree
height on height on slower
(inches)1 grown shade height
standard trees grown trees
trees
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.

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

13. Tree Ball Standards---2 Inch Caliper

14. Tree Ball Standards---3 Inch Caliper

15. Bare Root Trees
Advantages
• Reduced weight
• Less costly
• Permits full
examination of roots
Disadvantages
• Limited planting time
• Specialized handling
• Usually wholesale only

16. 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.

17. Other Tree Growing Systems
RPM SYSTEM
Forrest Keeling Nursery, Elsberry, MO

18. Fibrous Roots
RPM roots Conventional
seedling
Fibrous
RPM and other systems container roots
promote many
branched, fibrous roots

19. Desirable Tree Characteristics
• Pleasing proportions
1-1/2 • Vigorous growth
Inch
Caliper, • Bright green cambium
B&B
• Evenly spaced branches
• No narrow branch
angles
• Straight trunk
• No wounds
• Well formed roots, kept
moist

20. Protect Trees During Transport

21. Tree
Planting

22. Use Correct Technique
• Tree planting
knowledge is not
innate
• More than one
way to plant

23. What’s Wrong With This Picture?
• Hole Too
Small
• Roots Too
Deep

24. Outmoded Planting Practices
• Routine stakes,
trunk wrap, soil
berm
• Narrow hole
• Underdug hole
• Soil
amendments
• Cut back
branches

25. Recommended Planting Technique

26. Check Rootball or Container for Excess Soil
over Root System

27. Remove soil from ball top if needed

28. Recommended Planting Technique

29. Recommended Planting Technique

30. AFA Tree Planting Method

31. Planted Tree, No Stakes

32. 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

33. Optional Berm Planting
• For compacted or
shallow soils
• May be used in lieu of
standard planting
• Stakes, ties, optional

34. Root Development in Berm

35. Subsurface Planting Drain
• For poorly
drained soils
• Run drain to
daylight

36. Low Berm After Planting
Powell Gardens

37. Extra Large Berm With Groundcover
Powell Gardens

38. Planting
Aftercare

39. Watering
From Hydrant
Truck Mounted Tank
Apply equivalent of 1” rain per
week Watering Bag

40. Re-mulching
No “volcano” mulching
Replace organic
mulch every 1-2
years, 2-3” deep

41. Remove Stakes and Wrap
•Stakes no
longer than
one year
•Remove
wrap before
first growing
season

42. Additional Trunk Protection May Be
Required

43. Prune planted trees minimally
Begin
routine
pruning 3
years after
planting

44. •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