Tree planting hole calculator
Measure your project. Make a clearer plan.
Estimate excavation and backfill space using a simplified cylindrical root ball and hole.
Clear math. Better decisions.
A worked example
A 4 ft diameter hole, 2 ft root ball, and 18 inch depth leaves about 0.52 cu yd of geometric backfill space.
Before you order
- Estimate excavation and backfill space using a simplified cylindrical root ball and hole.
- UMD Extension advises a hole at least twice the root ball width and no deeper than the root ball. Identify the root flare before choosing depth; the volume is not a direction to buy amended soil.
Reference: University of Maryland Extension: Planting a tree or shrub.
Good questions.
Where do the prices come from?
You enter actual supplier prices. A blank price is unknown; enter zero only when that item is free or deliberately excluded. Taxes and installation are excluded unless a field explicitly includes them.
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. The unit selector converts dimensions and unit prices. Results use whole packages where applicable. Starting dimensions are examples; confirm product specifications before ordering.
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