How to Plant Tree Plugs into Plastic Mulch

Planting trees can be a rewarding activity that benefits the environment and your landscape. However, planting tree plugs into plastic mulch comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some step-by-step instructions to help you successfully plant tree plugs into plastic mulch.

Prepare the Site

The first step is to prepare the planting site. You should decide on the location and the spacing of the trees before you start. Plastic mulch is commonly used to facilitate moisture retention and weed control, but it also reduces soil temperature, so it’s important to place your trees at the right distance to allow them the necessary space to grow.

You should clear the site of any weeds, grass, or debris, and then smooth the soil. Plastic mulch should be laid down over the planting site to stop weed roots from penetrating into the soil.

Make Your Holes

To plant your tree plugs, you should use a dibble board, auger, or similar tool to make holes in the plastic mulch. The holes should be approximately 2-3 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball of the tree plug.

It’s important that you don’t let the roots of your tree plugs become exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, so try to keep them in the shade if possible, and don't leave them sitting on the hot plastic mulch for too long. If you can't plant the trees right away, protect the plugs from the sun by covering them with a damp cloth.

Plant the Tree Plugs

When planting the tree plugs, you should be careful to handle them gently and avoid damaging the roots. You should place the tree plugs in the holes you've made in the plastic mulch, being sure to orient the plug so the stem is not buried below the soil line. You should then carefully fill in the hole and tamp down the soil around the tree plug, forming a slight depression around it to help retain water.

Water the Tree Plugs

After planting, you should water the tree plugs thoroughly. Since plastic mulch prevents water from reaching the soil, it’s important to apply enough water to get to the roots. You should water your trees as needed throughout the growing season, keeping in mind that plastic mulch can be both a blessing and curse, in that it helps retain moisture but also restricts water flow to the root zone, so you may need to adjust your watering practices accordingly.

Mulching

Finally, mulching is important. Adding mulch helps keep the soil moist and insulates the trees from extreme temperatures. Leave a 1-2 inch gap between the mulch and stem to reduce the risk of fungal and insect damage.

In Conclusion

Planting tree plugs into plastic mulch involves some additional steps and considerations, but can be accomplished with good success. By following these steps, you will help to ensure that your tree plugs thrive and that your landscape is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Happy planting!