Question: How about if I plant the tree but skip the watering part?
Answer: That'll kill 'em quick! Thirsty seedlings always struggle to survive. Moisture is the most critical element for baby tree survival.
Not only does watering provide immediate moisture, the water also settles the soil around roots. This drives out air pockets and provides contact of fill soil to roots which prevents drying out.
Horticulturist Richard Harris reminds us that "when a plant has settled so the original soil line is below the soil surface, a bare-root tree can be raised by lifting on the trunk while the soil is muddy. Use a shovel under the root of a container plant." The tree should be raised slightly higher that it's original soil line.
Not only does watering provide immediate moisture, the water also settles the soil around roots. This drives out air pockets and provides contact of fill soil to roots which prevents drying out.
Horticulturist Richard Harris reminds us that "when a plant has settled so the original soil line is below the soil surface, a bare-root tree can be raised by lifting on the trunk while the soil is muddy. Use a shovel under the root of a container plant." The tree should be raised slightly higher that it's original soil line.
