Choosing and Placing Your Tree
A memorial tree is a living tribute, and it is simpler to plant than you might think. A little care up front, choosing a good spot and giving your tree a strong start, is most of what a young tree needs to thrive for years. Here is a simple guide to walk you through it.
Start with a few questions
Before you pick a spot, it helps to know what the tree needs and what your yard can offer. Think about what the tree is for and where it will live, what the soil and drainage are like there, how much sun that spot gets through the day, and how large the tree will grow when it is full grown, both above and below ground. A few minutes here saves you guesswork later.
Take a look at your yard
The right tree in the right place needs less care and lives longer. Walk your yard and keep an eye on a few things.
Soil. Yards in newer neighborhoods often have shallow, compacted soil. Loosen it and improve it where you can. Good soil is the foundation for strong roots.
Sun and wind. Most trees want steady sunlight. Note how many hours the spot gets, and whether it sits exposed to strong wind.
Space above and below. Look up for power lines and look down for buried utilities. Give the tree room to spread its branches and its roots without crowding structures or walkways.
Drainage. Roots need oxygen to grow. If water pools and lingers after rain, roots can suffocate. Choose a spot that drains well.
Hardiness zone. Every tree can handle a certain range of temperatures. Plant one suited to your region so it can weather your winters and summers. You can find your USDA hardiness zone by ZIP code online.
Give your tree its best start
The good news is that most of what keeps a young tree healthy is in your hands. Water steadily, not too little and not too much. Dig a wide hole, since roots spread out rather than down, and loose, wide soil helps them settle in. And plant a tree that suits the spot you have, rather than forcing a spot to fit the tree. Get these few things right and your tree is well on its way.
A note on memorial trees
If you are planting with cremation ashes, it is easy to assume they work like wood ash. They do not. Cremation ashes are high in pH and sodium, both of which can harm a young tree. The Treebute® organic soil blend is scientifically tested to neutralize that pH and sodium. The result is regenerated soil, and a tree that has what it needs to thrive.
Plant a memory of your own
When you are ready, we will guide you to the right tree and give you everything you need to plant it well.