Digging the Hole

Digging the hole for your tree or shrub is one of the most important steps in planting it successfully. The hole should be at least twice the diameter of the tree’s or shrub’s root ball, and twice as deep. If the hole is too shallow, the roots will not be covered with soil – and thus will not be able to eat or drink. Too deep and the roots will not have access to sufficient oxygen to ensure proper growth. Too narrow and the root structure will not be able to expand sufficiently to nourish and properly anchor the tree. Too wide – and you’ve put in more effort than needed!

As a general rule, trees should be transplanted no deeper than the soil in which they were originally grown.

When digging in poorly drained clay soil, it is important to avoid ‘glazing’.

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