- 1). Pick a place in your yard that has well-drained soil and receives full sunlight. Make sure your site is away from utility wires, outdoor structures or underground pipes. Tulip trees are difficult to transplant, so make sure the planting site will accommodate its size when it reaches maturity.
- 2). Conduct a soil pH test. Tulip trees grow best in pH ranges from 3.7 to 6.5. You can purchase a soil testing kit at your local nursery or county extension office.
- 3). Clear the planting site of any grass, weeds or plants. Other vegetation will compete with the newly planted tree for nutrients and water. Avoid using herbicide on the area before planting the tree.
- 4). Dig a hole three times the diameter of the root ball. For a tulip tree in a container, make sure the depth is no greater than the container. If you purchase seedlings with burlap sacks protecting their root systems, make sure the depth is not greater than the height of their root balls.
- 5). Break up the soil at the bottom of the hole. Place your tulip tree in and pack soil tightly to prevent air pockets. Place a layer of mulch around the tulip tree to lock in moisture, prevent competition from grass and regulate soil temperature.
- 6). Water the tree thoroughly. Keep a weekly watering routine the first growing year.
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