While there are some trees that require special handling or treatment, these simple steps will generally work for planting a tree so that your tree thrives and looks good.

1. Dig a hole. The hole should be as deep as the root ball of the tree to be planted and twice the diameter of the root ball itself. Once the hole is dug, loosen up, but do not remove, the soil in the bottom of the hole.

2. Put the tree in the hole and look at it. Walk around the tree to see how it looks from all sides and adjust the placement so that the best side is facing where you want it.

3. Make sure the trunk is straight. Use a level against the trunk and adjust the soil under the root ball as needed. Make sure you adjust from all 4 sides of the tree to get a tree that is really straight.

4. Check the root level by laying shovel handle across the hole. The bottom of the shovel handle should just reach the top of the root ball. Planting a tree too deep or too shallow can kill the tree.

5. Fill the hole around the root ball halfway with soil. Gently step on it. Step back and make sure the tree has not tipped. Gently fill the hole with water, and let it soak in. Check the tree again and add soil up to the proper level. Some people prefer to amend the soil but the need for this will vary greatly based on yor local soil conditions and the type of tree. Check with your local garden center.

6. Create a shallow berm around the tree to help the tree retain moisture. When watering the tree, water is slowly so that water gets a chance to go deep into the roots.

7. Spread mulch over the planting hole in the area within the burm. This will help reduce weeds down and it will conserve moisture. Do not too much mulch or the ground around your tree will become an enticing place for rodents and critter to live.

8. Stake the tree. Use at least three tree stakes and tie the tree trunk gently to the stakes. You want the tree to be able to sway somewhat in the breeze so that it can build up strength. But you don't want it to move so much that it becomes tilted or the root ball lifts out of the soil.