How to Grow a Tree and More
Thank you for supporting Boulder’s urban tree canopy!
Make sure your tree has plenty of room to grow! Root spread may be just as wide, if not wider than canopy spread.
Additional tips:
Call 811 before you dig!
City of Boulder has a free mulch pile at 5200 Pearl Parkway for anyone to access.
If deer or rabbits frequent your yard, consider staking wire fencing around, but not touching, the trunk.
Where to Plant Your Tree
Step 1 : Plant
If you cannot plant right away, lay the tree on its side and cover it with mulch, leaves or cloth to protect it from freeze damage.
Dig a mildly sloping hole 3x the diameter of the container
Use your fingers to gently tease apart any roots that may be circling the container
Dig into the container to locate where the trunk begins to flare into roots
Plant to a depth where the ‘root flare’ is just above the surface of the soil
Step 2: Mulch
Spread at least a 3” deep ring of mulch 3x the width of the container
Do not allow mulch to contact trunk
Step 3: Water
Water the tree immediately after planting. Make sure soil is moist but not saturated
Water the tree every 5 days thereafter
Newly planted trees need extra water for the first 2 years after planting, even in the winter.
In the fall/winter, water 1x/month, approximately 5-10 gallons per caliper inch of trunk size.
In the spring/summer, water 1x/week, approximately 5-10 gallons per caliper inch of trunk size.
