Tree planting is much harder than it looks. Planting depth, planting hole radius, root ball preparation, soil-tree relationship, and site placement are all crucial considerations that only qualified, experienced arborists can properly account for.

Every season, we see dozens of trees failing to thrive–or worse, dying–because of careless planting practices. When removing dead or dying trees, we often find that burlap bags and steel baskets were left on the root ball, fatally restricting root growth. Even more often, hastily planted trees wind up with girdled roots, which get so tangled that they choke off the tree’s access to water and nutrients.

This basket was left on the root ball of an emerald cedar, killing it within a year.
This locust’s root ball was not properly prepared, causing the roots to severely girdle. It is already struggling and will likely die within a year.
The roots of this linden are girdled as a result of rushed installation. In this case, the evidence only becomes clear 20+ years after installation. The tree suffers from decreased vigour and is thereby more vulnerable to disease.

Proper planting practices can mean the difference between a tree that thrives and one that dies within a few years. All our planting staff have completed ISA training on proper tree installation and establishment.