Clear the planting area. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces — roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces.

Dig a proper hole. Open up the hole, making sure it is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure.

Remove the seedling quickly. Take a tree out of planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree.

Position the seedling correctly. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole.

Fill and tamp the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Fill with more soil if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important — if soil is not firmly packed, air pockets can dry out roots and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.)