阅读理解

Do you know how to plant a tree? Once you've chosen a tree, you'll need to prepare your place for planting.

Planting the Tree

Dig a hole a foot deeper than and twice as wide as the root ball of the new tree. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole, so roots will be able to easily enter the soil.

Gently remove the tree from the container and guide the tree into the hole. Build soil up and around the roots if necessary, so the tree is at the same soil level as it was originally grown.

Straighten the tree in the hole. Before you begin filling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight. You should fill the hole with existing soil that has been mixed with rich materials. At this time you can also add bone meal and then water the tree.

Caring for the Tree

Caring for the tree once it is planted is an important step so you should provide regular watering. Always feel the soil before watering, as over­watering can also harm the tree. When soil is dry below the surface of the covering, it's time to water. You will probably need to water at least once a week.  Continue until mid­fall, when lower temperatures call for less­frequent watering.

When to Plant a Tree

Now that you know how to plant a tree, the next step is deciding when to plant. Spring and fall are generally the best times to plant a tree. This gives the tree time to adjust (调整) before summer heat or winter cold arrives. In areas without cold winters, trees may be planted during the winter.