- 1). Scout the yard for a sunny planting site with well-drained soil. Swedish columnar aspen prefers sandy or loamy soil but tolerates clay and even rocky soils. The tree will not thrive in shade and does not tolerate persistently wet soil. The soil should have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.0 for best results. Use a soil test kit to make sure the pH level at the planting site falls within acceptable levels.
- 2). Dig the planting hole at least twice as wide as the tree's root ball and deep enough so the crown, or top of the roots, will not protrude above the ground. Break up any large dirt clods by hand and remove large rocks from the excavated dirt.
- 3). Grasp the base of the stem in one hand and use the other hand to tilt the container as you pull out the plant. Tap sharply on the bottom and sides of the container if the tree does not pull out readily. Remove the burlap from balled-and-burlapped root balls and set it aside for disposal later.
- 4). Place the tree in the center of the planting hole, holding it in place with one hand while gently spreading the roots out around the hole with the other hand. Push enough of the excavated dirt into the hole to secure the tree in place. Water just enough to allow the soil to settle around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- 5). Visually inspect the tree's position in the hole to be sure the top of the root ball is no more than 1 inch below the top of the planting hole. Add or subtract dirt beneath the root ball to correct the tree's position. Use the shovel or your hands to finish back filling the hole. Water again, adding more soil to the top of the hole if needed to make the site level with the surrounding area.
- 6). Water the site thoroughly, then use the rake to smooth the soil around the tree. Spread a layer of organic mulch 1 to 3 inches deep around the tree, but do not pile it directly against the trunk.
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