Tree Planting

	Tree Planting? You Need To Know The Art Of Seedling Survival

	Choose your site very carefully.
	Look up, around and down. The tree you plant today could eventually reach 40 to 100 feet in height (depending on the tree type). Give your tree plenty of room - its roots will grow wide and deep. Especially in urban settings, plant it well away from building and power lines, so that it wont do any damage, or need disfiguring or harmful pruning later in its life. Plant the tree where its roots will not grow into sewers and pipelines, or under driveways and sidewalks.

	What kind of tree is it? Make sure it's suited to the environment your are planting it in, so it has the best chance of surviving. If you need help, talk to a forester, extension agent, or tree nursery professional.
	Take care before and during planting.
	Keep the tree cool and shaded, and its roots moist until planting. Usually, spring and fall are the best times to plant. If your tree came with directions, be sure to read them. During planting, try not to handle the roots. Tamp the dirt firmly, but dont pack it too tightly, or the roots wont be able to reach out for water or nutrients, or anchor the tree. Soak the soil around the tree with water to encourage deep rooting.

	If your planting a sapling: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the rootball. Build a mound of soil, and place te sapling on top of the mound so that it is two inches above the hole's bottom. If the roots are wrapped, untie the burlap. Fill the hole with dirt, tamping it down with your foot and wetting it with water as you fill the hole.

	If your planting a seedling: Dig a hole a little deeper than the roots length. Fill the hole around the seedling with dirt, then gently pull the trunk of the seedling up slightly to straighten out the roots.
	Give special care during the early, developmental years.
	A tree is most vulnerable during the first years of its life. Protect it from pests and animals. Water it frequently.
	Then sit back and enjoy !
	If cared for properly the trees you plant will grow and flourish, providing you - and all of us - with their many benefits and beauty for many years to come.

	We're the experts - Nationwide, the forest community, including forest industry, tree farmers, and agencies plant nearly three billion seedlings every year. In Virginia alone, nearly 200,000 acres of forestland are regenerated annually using a variety of methods.

	We want to help you - Trees are an important part of our everyday lives. They provide beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreation in addition to the thousands of wood products that Virginians use every day. We want you to know everything you can, so the trees you plant will flourish.

	Here's what you need to know - Planting a tree doesn't require a forestry degree, only some basic knowledge.