Gonna be planting a red maple this weekend and I have no idea othger than dig a hole , place cover and water. It will have direct sunlight close to the sidewalk out front.

Any ideas that would insure the survival of the tree, It will be a sappling about 5-6 feet high.

thanks for all answers.

 

The hole needs to be approximately 36 inches in diameter and 28 to 30 inches deep depending on your geographic location. It would also behoove you to get a rough idea of the mineral and sunlight requirements of the tree itself and what those are in your area. Stake the tree properly and water it every day for at least 10 minutes (google this for specifics).

And remember, "If you want to save a tree, eat a beaver."

 

Thank-you.
Eat a tree starve a beaver..... did I get that right?

 

I assume you will be planting one that is in a container. Cut the container away leaving the dirt and roots intact and bury in the hole. Do not cover the boll of the tree with dirt. That is the part of the trunk coming out of the dirt in the container. In other words, the surface of it's existing dirt around the trunk, should be level with the dirt you are filling in. Many people stake trees, but I never do. I do not want anything restraining it or bruising it and have never had a problem.

The farther away from the sidewalk, the better. Your roots could later push up the walk and you will have heat coming off the concrete in the summer.

Maples are pretty trees.

 

If it comes wrapped in burlap, do not cut the rag. Just bury it with the top of the soil ball at ground level. Fill in around it, and cover the ground with mulch. I also agree with Bluejay. Because if you stake it, it will rub the bark when the wind strains against it.

 

There's now Power cables there, right?

 

Call diggers hotline.

Dig the hole 6" deeper than the ball, and fill under the ball with loose dirt, sand, and a little fertilizer. That will give the roots some room to grow. Pack it down, and put some water in the hole before drooping in the tree.

 

Thanks for all the answers. no underground utlities crossing my property in that area. Overhead power lines are to the south about 15 feet away.water line is about 12 feet to the north.
The tree is in a plastic nursery pot.

I agree Blue Jay, maples are pretty but this is my favorite red japanese maple. They do no grow all that tall, but I just love the color.

 

You did not say Japanese Maple. I planted 3 of them 2 years ago. I really like the Bloodgood variety. They are very pretty.