1. Start out by measuring the diameter of the root ball – the easiest way to do this is to use your shovel and lay it flat across the root ball, keeping track of your measurement.
2. Cut and reserve the sod and dig a saucer- or ‘wok’-shaped hole at least 2-3 times the size of the root ball. Digging a hole with sloping sides will aid in root development.
3. Find the root collar, the location at the base of the trunk where the roots begin. This will determine the depth of the hole, since the root collar should be level with the soil once planted.
4. Using wire cutters, clip around the bottom of the basket and remove it, leaving half of the cage still intact around the top of the root ball. This will help hold it together while the tree is being transported into the hole. You may also remove the bottom portion of burlap at this time.
5. Roll the tree (or lift by the root ball – never lift by the trunk as this could break apart the root ball) into the center of the hole. Adjust as necessary, using buildings or other built structures as a guide to determine the straightness of the trunk.
6. Have someone hold the tree in the desired position, and begin to backfill the hole with dirt, tamping down slightly as you go to remove any air pockets. You should be able to replace all the dirt back into the hole.
7. Once the hole has been backfilled, form a berm around the edge of the hole using pieces of cut sod (grass-side down). This will help prevent erosion and will help the soil retain more moisture.
8. Don’t forget to water! Use a tree watering bag or, if using a hose, water your tree for at least an hour at a slow trickle to deeply soak the roots.