How to Plant a Tree

My friends, Rachel and Jenny, are my agricultural-know-it-alls. Today they’re going to walk us through the steps of planting a tree. Before you get intimidated, it’s easier than it sounds.

First thing’s first. You have to select a tree type. Hardiness plays a huge role in deciding what to grow in your area and climate. It has to do with a plant’s ability to survive adverse growing conditions. Find the hardiness zone of your land here.

You’ll need: a shovel, a tree tube, zip ties, gloves, a hammer, and a fiberglass stake.

Make sure to wear clothes you can get dirty.

Dig a hole 2x the size of the tree’s root ball.

Insert the tree into the hole.

Make sure the soil doesn’t cover the crown of the tree’s roots. Lightly step on soil to firm up the tree’s position.

Put the tree tube over the tree. This prevents wildlife from eating it or stepping on it. The tube also creates a greenhouse effect, providing the tree more light and moisture.

Drive the fiberglass stake into the ground next to the tree tube with a hammer. Make sure to never touch the fiberglass with your bare hands. It is made of tiny particles that can get into your skin and cause irritation.

Secure the tube to the stake with several zip ties. Now water your tree and watch it grow. It really is that simple.

Zieg did his part digging too. (Okay, he might have been hunting for gophers. But he was good company.)

Rachel standing with pine trees that were planted around 10 years ago. It’s inspiring to think that you could grow something similar with the knowledge they shared with you today.

Rachel is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone New Hope Jacket, Hamilton Flannel Shirt II, & Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree.

Jenny is wearing: Carhartt Weathered Wildwood Jacket, Hamilton Flannel Shirt II, & 1889 Slim-Fit Double-Front Denim Dungaree.

Dairy Farmer Lori Kamerman

Most people would consider an heirloom to be an old watch, a cherished book, or some loved trinket passed down from one generation to the next. But family treasures to the Kamerman’s look a little different than that. In fact, home looks a little different for them too.

Soft rolling Montana pastures, sprinkled with cattle and dirt roads make up their shared heirloom. The dairy farm where they live and work has been in the family for 70 years. Lori and her 4 daughters, Hannah, Mikaya, Malaya, and Mali run about doing their daily chores.

Cows aren’t generally pets, but they all have unique personalities. The two youngest Kamerman’s are quite proud of their cows and couldn’t wait to introduce me to the ones they’ve grown attached to. There is no doubt that the work all of the girls have done caring for the animals on their land has given them soft, loving spirits—in tune with others’ needs and feelings.

Lori’s advice for anyone on a growing farm is to “look past the day to day grind to the big picture, that is the reward you reap from a job well done. Also along the way try to enjoy the little things, such as that mother taking care of its newborn calf or the cow that wants her ears scratched.”

Your Rain Jacket Dream Come True

On my trip to Montana, it rained quite a bit. I practically lived in the new Carhartt Women’s Cascade Jacket. It’s much easier to enjoy the sweeping views and wide open skies when you know your rainwear will keep you dry. This Storm Defender® waterproof breathable jacket comes with articulated elbows so you can easily move around, a left-chest map pocket that’s certain to keep its contents drip-free, interior cuffs with thumbholes for those extra inches of protection, and an adjustable hem with drawcord and barrel lock adjusters. It’s basically your rain jacket dream come true.

The Perfect Rainwear

If you’re headed to Seattle, don’t forget your rain gear. With an average of only 71 sunny days a year, you have to be prepared at all times. The Carhartt Women’s Cascade Jacket is perfect for the region’s weather. Storm Defender™ waterproof breathable coating, a detachable hood, and fully taped waterproof seams protect you from the elements. Trust me, that’s the only outerwear I took with me on my trip to Seattle last week– and I stayed nice and dry.  Grab one for yourself so you can keep your mind on your job and the view instead of the weather.