Don't wait till spring to set out a new tree. Do it now and it will have several more months to establish roots before hot weather comes again.
Plan a little. Consider how big your tree will eventually become and give it plenty of room away from power lines, buildings and other trees. Also, select a tree that has few problems. Natives are good choices.
Dig the hole only as deep as the tree is in its nursery container or, for balled-and-burlapped plants, use the depth of the root ball. Make the hole twice as wide as the nursery container or root ball. Remove the container, of course, but for balled-and-burlapped trees, leave the burlap - just take away any twine or clips. Balled-and-burlapped trees should also be pruned by thinning about one-third at planting time (the tops, not the roots).
When you place your tree in the hole, make sure the base of the trunk is even with the soil line, not higher or lower. Fill the hole with the soil you dug out. Amending the back-fill soil with compost, etc., is not recommended as you might create an in-ground "bowl" that will encourage the roots to circle rather than extending outward over time.
After planting, water the tree well. You can make a low berm around the tree to keep the water from quickly running off. Then mulch the tree to protect it from the next freeze.
You might also want to dig out another foot or two around the tree and plant a few bulbs and some pansies. Or use some of the perennials you've divided and haven't found a place for.
Rosemary Moyers, Smith County Master Gardener
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