TryBuildCalc

Tree & Shrub Planting Calculator Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓11 Inspection Points
✓6 Verification Categories
✓Measuring & Identifying the Root Ball+
  • Trunk caliper measured 6 in above the root flare (12 in for trees over 4 in caliper), not guessed from height
  • Stock type entered matches what is actually being planted — Container-Grown, Balled & Burlapped, or Bare Root
✓Hole Preparation+
  • Hole dug NO DEEPER than the root ball's own height — width comes from the hole's diameter, not its depth
  • Hole dug 2-3x the root ball's diameter, with sides roughened rather than left smooth and glazed
  • Root flare (where the trunk widens into the roots) identified and left visible above the final soil line
✓Backfill & Soil Amendment+
  • Synthetic burlap, twine, and as much of a wire basket as can safely be removed, taken off before or immediately after the ball goes in the hole
  • Amendment percentage reviewed against the actual native soil, not left at a one-size-fits-all default
✓Mulch Ring+
  • Mulch kept clear of the trunk or stems — no "mulch volcano" piled against the bark
✓Staking & Guying+
  • Ties attached loosely enough to allow the trunk to flex and move in the wind
  • For a guyed tree (over 4 in caliper), ground anchors set in undisturbed soil outside the backfilled hole
✓Planting & Aftercare+
  • Newly planted tree or shrub watered in thoroughly at planting, not left for the next scheduled irrigation cycle
Full QC Checklist+

Verify root ball measuring and identification, hole preparation, backfill and amendment, mulch ring, staking or guying, and planting and aftercare.

✓24 Inspection Points
✓6 Verification Categories
✓Measuring & Identifying the Root Ball+
  • Trunk caliper measured 6 in above the root flare (12 in for trees over 4 in caliper), not guessed from height
  • Stock type entered matches what is actually being planted — Container-Grown, Balled & Burlapped, or Bare Root
  • Shrub size class (Small/Dwarf, Intermediate, Large/Tall) chosen by the plant's MATURE size, not its current nursery size
  • For Container-Grown stock, the container's actual inside dimensions measured — not assumed from its trade gallon number
  • Quantity per row checked against the plants actually being installed in this job
✓Hole Preparation+
  • Hole dug NO DEEPER than the root ball's own height — width comes from the hole's diameter, not its depth
  • Hole dug 2-3x the root ball's diameter, with sides roughened rather than left smooth and glazed
  • Root flare (where the trunk widens into the roots) identified and left visible above the final soil line
  • Hole drainage checked before planting, especially in clay or a low spot
  • Utility locate called before digging any hole wider or deeper than a shallow bed trench
✓Backfill & Soil Amendment+
  • Synthetic burlap, twine, and as much of a wire basket as can safely be removed, taken off before or immediately after the ball goes in the hole
  • Amendment percentage reviewed against the actual native soil, not left at a one-size-fits-all default
  • Backfill firmed gently in stages with water, not stamped down hard
  • Leftover excavated soil (the volume the root ball itself displaces) has somewhere planned to go
✓Mulch Ring+
  • Mulch kept clear of the trunk or stems — no "mulch volcano" piled against the bark
  • Mulch depth kept in the 2-4 in range, not piled deeper for a tidier look
  • For closely spaced plants, overlapping rings measured once as a single area rather than summed per plant
✓Staking & Guying+
  • Staking confirmed as actually necessary before installing it — a correctly planted tree with a proportional root ball often needs none
  • Ties attached loosely enough to allow the trunk to flex and move in the wind
  • A removal date set for one growing season out (rarely a second), not left indefinitely
  • For a guyed tree (over 4 in caliper), ground anchors set in undisturbed soil outside the backfilled hole
✓Planting & Aftercare+
  • Newly planted tree or shrub watered in thoroughly at planting, not left for the next scheduled irrigation cycle
  • A watering schedule planned for the full establishment period, not just the first week
  • Planting timed for the species' and stock type's preferred season
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Tree & Shrub Planting Calculator CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.