Terminology

• Root flare: the widening at the base of the trunk where roots begin
• B&B (balled and burlapped): field-grown tree dug with a root ball wrapped in burlap
• Container stock: plants grown and sold in containers
• Caliper: trunk diameter used to size shade trees
• Topsoil / loam: growing medium, often silt, sand, clay, and organic matter
• Organic matter: compost or peat that improves soil structure and water holding
• Mulch: organic or inorganic cover over the root zone
• Volcano mulching: mulch piled against the trunk, which is discouraged
• Finish grade: final soil surface after planting

Standards

• ANSI Z60.1, American Standard for Nursery Stock: caliper, height, root ball diameter, and container size charts for nursery plants; the 2014 edition is free from AmericanHort
• Plant specifications: project specifications commonly require ball size not less than the Z60.1 recommendation, and B&B stock where trees exceed container size limits in Z60.1
• Hardiness: match plants to the plant hardiness zone; see the climate notes

Selection

• Native and adapted species: match climate, soil, and water supply; see the planting strategies note
• Soil organic matter: at least 2.5 to 3 percent is preferable for lawns, and one Missouri source cites 4 to 6 percent for topsoil or topsoil-compost blends
• Topsoil depth: at least 4 to 6 in. of nutrient-rich topsoil for lawn
• Soil test: pH, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter before establishing a new lawn
• Spacing and mature size: keep trees away from buildings, utilities, and solar panels

Detailing

Planting trees and shrubs

• Root flare: set at ground level, no deeper; find it in the root ball before digging
• Hole size: same depth as the root ball and 2 to 3 times wider
• Ball position: one municipal specification sets the top of B&B stock 1 to 2 in. above finished grade
• Mulch: 2 to 3 in. of organic mulch (2 to 4 in. in some sources) spread toward the drip line, kept 2 to 4 in. off the trunk
• Avoid: volcano mulch piled against the bark

Lawns and beds

• Compaction: till compacted soil at least 3 to 4 in. before planting; scarify subgrade to 6 in. in one specification when importing topsoil
• Amendments: spread organic matter evenly and incorporate to about 3 in. with a tiller
• Local requirements: one municipal specification calls for 1.75 in. of compost into 6.25 in. of soil in lawn areas

Coordination

• Provide irrigation and drainage with the planting plan
• Keep shrubs and trees away from drain lines
• Protect existing trees and critical root zones during construction

Uses

Specific uses

• Street trees and shade trees
• Foundation and screening plantings
• Lawns, play fields, and meadows
• Rain gardens, swales, and buffers
• Fire-wise and habitat plantings

Pros and cons

Pros

• Shade, shelter, screening, and stormwater benefits
• Raises site value and comfort
• Soil and plant choices can reduce irrigation

Cons

• Requires establishment watering and maintenance
• Roots can conflict with paving, foundations, and utilities
• Plant failure from poor soil, depth, or mulch practice is common

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

• Plants are grown and dug at nurseries and installed on site into prepared soil, then mulched and watered through establishment

Main manufacturers and suppliers

Trade associations: AmericanHort and American Society of Landscape Architects.

Sources

• AmericanHort: American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1, https://www.americanhort.org/
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: plant a tree, https://hgic.clemson.edu/plant-a-tree/
• University of Illinois Extension: tree planting info sheet, https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/info_sheet_tree_planting.pdf
• Purdue Extension: tree planting FAQ, https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-faq-18-w.pdf
• University of Missouri Extension: lawns and soil, https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6955
• University of Georgia Extension: lawn establishment, https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C 1058-1_3.PDF
• Image: Landscaped native-plant garden bed with bunchgrass and prickly pear, Point Loma, San Diego, California.jpg, Z3lvs, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Landscaped_native-plant_garden_bed_with_bunchgrass_and_prickly_pear,_Point_Loma,_San_Diego,_California.jpg