- Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball. The width of the hole should be about three times the diameter of the root ball. This allows the area around the tree to be back filled with loose soil, which will allow root expansion and growth while the undisturbed soil under the tree will prevent it from settling too deep into the ground.
- Bring the tree to the site. Always handle a tree by its root ball rather than its trunk so it doesn't break. Confirm the burlap ball is natural rather than synthetic by holding a lit match to a small portion of the dry burlap. Natural burlap will burn while synthetic burlap will melt.
Natural burlap will decompose and can be at least partially left in the hole with the tree root. Synthetic burlap will not rot and can stop the root from growing, so remove it entirely from the root.
Cut any strings or wires from the burlap that are attached to the tree. Remove about one third to one half of the upper portion of the burlap covering the root ball. - Level and straighten the tree and begin back filling the hole with topsoil. Use water to compact the soil as much as possible around the root ball. Fill the hole to a level where the topmost roots of the tree are just under the soil and the flare of the trunk.
Use a mulch to cover the area excavated for the tree planting. This helps prevent the tree from competing with grasses and weeds for moisture in its root zone.