It's a lot of work being a tree hugger

It's spring and that means it is time to plant. This year we're planting trees and bulbs.


Step One. Buy a tree. What type of tree should I buy . . . deciduous, coniferous, ornamental - oh my. Simply put - deciduous have shade in the summer and leaves to rake in the fall. Coniferous are ever green. Ornamental trees are pretty and typically smaller deciduous trees that are colorful or flowering. Check out Chicago Botanic Garden for trees that grow best in the Midwest.

The cost of tree is typically priced by the tree's caliper - or diameter of the trunk. Similar to people, the older the tree, the larger the diameter. The larger trees are also more expensive the tree.

Step Two. Save the receipt. Most places will give you a one-year warranty to replace the tree. This is a good thing. If our steps are a little off the the tree doesn't survive the winter, we get to do it all over again, but the nursery's dime. Don't get too excited, it is still your sweat equity to return & replace the tree.

Step Three. Dig a hole. The hole is typically twice as big as the b&b, or ball and burlap. This the part that contains the tree's root ball. In my case, have Chris dig the hole and Zoe watch.

Step Four. Plant & water. Prep the hole with good planting soil and time-release fertilizer at the bottom of the hole. Remove the burlap and roll the tree gently into the hole and fill with planting soil. Cover with mulch to hold in moisture. Water generously.

Step Five. Wait to see what happens.