December is the month we celebrate Arbor Day. So, consider planting a tree in honor of this day. Start by selecting the right plant for the site. First, analyze the chosen site by checking the soil drainage, number of sunlight hours, and amount of available space for a tree to reach its mature height and width. Once these factors are determined a tree species can be selected. CAUTION: Call 811, two to three working days before you dig. This service will mark underground utility lines.
Once the appropriate tree is selected plant it correctly. Proper planting depth is critical for long-term health of the tree. Start by locating the root flare of the tree. The root flare is where the first main root attaches to the trunk. You may need to remove excess soil from across the top of the root ball to expose the root flare. The root flare should be located at ground level and no deeper. To keep the root flare AT soil level, the planting hole should be dug exactly the same depth as the root ball and 2 to 3 times wider. Do not loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole; this will cause the root ball to settle deeper into the ground over time. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with native soil and lightly tamp. Lastly, apply a two- to three- inch layer of organic mulch and then water slowly.
To keep the root flare AT soil level, the planting hole should be dug exactly the same depth as the root ball and 2 to 3 times wider.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018, Clemson Extension
The root flare is where the first main root attaches to the trunk.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018, Clemson Extension
For more information, refer to HGIC 1001, Planting Trees Correctly and HGIC 1050, Choosing a Planting Location.
Consider Planting a Tree to Attract Pollinators
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Season | Flower Color |
| Painted Buckeye | Aesculus sylvatica | Late Spring | Yellow/Green |
| Serviceberry | Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ |
Spring | White |
| Pawpaw | Asimina triloba | Late Spring | Maroon |
| Eastern Redbud | Cercis canadensi | Spring | Pink |
| White Fringetree | Chionanthus virginicus | Late Spring | White |
| Flowering Dogwood | Cornus florida | Spring | White |
| Green Hawthorne | Crataegus viridis | Spring | White |
| Persimmon | Diospyros virginiana | Early Summer | Yellow |
| American Holly | Ilex opaca | Late Spring | White |
| Tulip Tree | Liriodendron tulipifera | Late Spring | Yellow |
| Southern Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | Spring | White |
| Umbrella Magnolia | Magnolia tripetala | Spring | Pale Yellow |
| Sourwood | Oxydendrum arboreum | Summer | White |
For more information on selecting a tree species for the landscape, refer to the following:
HGIC 1717, Plants that Tolerate Drought
HGIC 1718, Plants for Damp or Wet Areas
HGIC 1727, Pollinator Gardening
HGIC 1730, Salt Tolerant Plants for South Carolina Coast
