527 days ago
How to plant a tree.

• Let’s dig a hole. Make sure it is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
• Remove all the grass and other roots from the hole.
• Mix some compost, soil and fertilizer in the hole.
• Gently remove the root ball from the bag (keep the bag and recycle it later!)
• The roots are like the veins of the tree that transport all the water and nutrients to the other parts of the tree. Make sure they are not twisted and knotted.
• Massage the root ball gently to stimulate growth.
• Put the root ball in the ground to make sure it’s the right level. The top of the roots should level with the ground.
• Make sure the leaves are facing north to get sufficient sunlight. (This is because we live in the Southern Hemisphere)
• Fill the rest of the hole with the remaining soil, stamping it gently with your hands and feet to make sure there are no air pockets.
• Add about 5 – 8cm of mulch or manure to avoid the water evaporating too much.
• Tie the stem firmly to a stake.
• Build a ridge around the tree to catch up water.
• Give your tree a good soaking of about 20 litres of water, as the water will have to reach the roots.
• Build a border with surrounding stones.
• Last, but not least: Give your tree a name!

These greening tips have been provided by www.greenpop.org