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Shade Trees: Planting
Once you get your free SMUD tree, it's important that you plant it correctly to ensure decades of shade and energy savings.
Before You Dig
Before you start digging, make sure that the spot you've chosen for your tree does not have any underground lines that would endanger you and others taking part in the planting.
To find out if there are any dangerous underground lines where you're planting, call the Underground Service Alert at least two working days before you dig. The toll-free number for the free service is: 1.800.227.2600.
Plant Your Tree
- Remove and discard grass and weeds from the planting site. The hole should be 4 feet wide in the shape of a square or circle. Dig the hole 16 inches deep on the sides, but only 8 inches in the center to create a pedestal.
- Carefully remove the tree's rootball from its container, and using your hands, gently loosen any outside roots from the sides and bottom, taking care not to break or damage the rootball. All circling roots should be cut to prevent girdling.
- Place the tree in the center of the hole on the undisturbed pedestal so the root crown (where the trunk meets the roots) is about 1? to 2 inches above the surrounding ground level.
- Backfill the hole with the soil you removed (original soil). Discard any grass and weeds from the soil. Do not add soil amendments.
- Place the fertilizer tablets about 4 inches from the rootball approximately 4 inches deep in the soil. Do not crush the tablets: they are designed for slow release.
- Finish backfilling the hole, but remember not to cover the top of the rootball, which is the root crown.
- Remove the nursery stake, if your tree came tied to one. If your tree is sturdy enough to hold itself upright, do not restake.
If the tree needs help to stand upright, use two stakes and ties. Place the stakes on opposite sides of the tree, approximately 18 inches from the trunk. Each tie should be placed around the trunk and attached to a stake.
Place the ties so the tree stands without leaning, but tie them loosely enough to allow for growth and movement. Periodically check the stakes and ties to ensure that they are not harming the trunk or branches.
Usually the tree is able to stand alone within 1 year of planting and the stakes should be removed when the tree is stable.
- Water thoroughly right after planting to soak the planting area and settle the soil.
- Create a water basin around your newly planted tree. The basin should be at least 4 feet wide with an edge built up to at least 4 inches high. This serves to conserve water and direct moisture to the tree's rootball. In winter, break the berm down to avoid standing water, which could kill the tree.
- Spread mulch or wood chips about 4 to 6 inches deep over the entire planting area, leaving a bare 4 inch to 6 inch area directly around the trunk. To get free wood chips available to SMUD Customers, call 916.732-5854.
- Protect your trees from dogs, cats or other animals with chicken wire or fencing.